Low Tide Foods

Revealed twice per day by the ocean’s receding tides, Vancouver Island’s west coast beaches provide a rich supply of healthy foods. Although much has been written about shellfish, other lesser-known foods are still enjoyed today by coastal First Nations like the Nuu-chah-nulth. Many of these foods are not affected by common shellfish contaminants and are available to the avid beachcomber. In this booklet (part of a series about traditional, local foods), learn how to gather, prepare, and cook haayistuup (chitons), tutsup (sea urchins), and ca7inwa (goose barnacles). The booklet also includes learning activities for classrooms and communities, along with quotes and anecdotes from Nuu-chah-nulth sources. The Nuu-chah-nulth Traditional Foods Toolkit promotes the wisdom of Nuu-chah-nulth elders by recording and sharing their experiences, language, and knowledge regarding traditional foods.