File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds)

By James Peters

Foraging for Mushrooms

Edible mushrooms on band territory are for members only: Skwlāx

Apr 26, 2024 | 3:27 PM

CHASE, B.C. — Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw are reminding prospective springtime mushroom pickers to leave edible mushrooms on their territory to the band’s members.

In a news release, Kukpi7 James Tomma says spring is harvest time for edible mushrooms and a lot of outside pickers are making their way in.

“We have seen instances of these pickers going onto band land on a Forest Service Road near Scotch Creek and near Lee Creek,” said Tomma. “In one case, these outside pickers set up a camp and were selling the product to a commercial vendor.”

Tomma goes on to say this activity “will not be tolerated.”

“Any mushrooms growing on Band land belong to the members. They have the first right to pick them as it is one of their traditional food sources,” said Tomma. “We aren’t accepting outside pickers who want to set up a camp-especially when they start fires. As the land recovers from the 2023 Bush Creek East wildfire, this is a dangerous action.”

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He notes outside pickers ignoring Skwlāx rules could be subject to prosecution for trespassing.