On Sunday, June 22nd, 2008, the Klahoose First Nation and Cortes Island Museum co-sponsored an illustrated talk by local author and historian Judith Williams at the Klahoose Hall. The afternoon event began with a chanted prayer and drumming by Ken Hanuse who also introduced Norman Harry who spoke briefly, Marge Hansen and Jessie Louie.

Judy has spent many hours over the years exploring the history of the B.C. coast for her book, “Clam Gardens, Aboriginal Mariculture on Canada’s West Coast”. In 1993 Klahoose elder Keekus (Elizabeth Harry) suggested Judy take a look at rock walls her people had built in Waiatt Bay on Quadra Island for the cultivation of clams. Klahoose people still harvest and repair these clam areas today. Using archival photos, hand-drawn illustrations, maps and more recent slides, Judy described her investigation into ancient sea farming of Butter Clams – what we call mariculture.

From elders, Judy learned the management and harvesting of clam gardens was done by women and children. She has explored many beaches around Cortes where the unique rock walls of clam gardens are visible at very low tides. (Try looking both ways along the beach from the public dock in Gorge Harbour at a very low tide, keeping in mind the marina and oyster farmers have changed the original beach and rock wall in some spots.)

The clam gardens were one of the foundation blocks of aboriginal economy for specific coastal peoples. If they are accepted as an essential cultivated and privately owned unit of Native economy, a term like “hunter gatherer”, which has been used by social scientists to define Northwest Coast Native society, must be reassessed. And the implications for Native land claims would be huge.

The afternoon wound up with refreshments and Judy signing her books.

Be sure to visit the Museum this summer to see an exhibit featuring more of Judy's research.