Discover the wonder of ancient sea gardens on the Northwest Coast
Sea gardens have been created by First Peoples on the Northwest coast
for more than three thousand years. These gardens consist of stone reefs
that are constructed at the lowest tide line, encouraging the growth of
clams and other marine life on the gently sloped beach.
This lyrical story follows a young child and an older family member who
set out to visit a sea garden early one morning, as the lowest tides
often occur at dawn. After anchoring their boat, they explore the beach,
discover the many sea creatures that live there, hear the sputtering of
clams and look closely at the reef. They reflect on the people who built
the wall long ago, as well as those who have maintained it over the
years. After digging for clams, they tidy up the beach, then return
home.
An author's note provides further information about sea gardens (also
known as clam gardens), which yield a reliable food source and have been
traditional places of learning. They have been found along the Pacific
coast, from Alaska to British Columbia to Washington State, and some of
these gardens are being restored today.
The manuscript has been vetted and approved by the scientists of the
Clam Garden Network and Kwaxsistalla Wathl'thla Clan Chief Adam Dick.
Roy Henry Vickers, whose ancestry includes the Tsimshian, Haida and
Heiltsuk First Nations, has created hauntingly beautiful images to
accompany the text.
Key Text Features
author's note
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language
Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.2
>With prompting and support, identify the main topic and retell key
details of a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.6
Name the author and illustrator of a text and define the role of each in
presenting the ideas or information in a text.
