Ethnobotanical conversations along the bayou: an exercise in Participatory Action Research (PAR) blending Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and geospatial information systems in order to identify vulnerable plant species valued by southern Louisiana's coastal Native American tribes

Ethnobotany, or the study of the relation between plants and people, concerns how the fruits or produce of Mother Earth are managed, used and perceived across human societies. The Pointe-au-Chien, Grand Caillou/Dulac and Isle de Jean Charles Native American tribes of southern coastal Louisiana historically used their traditional lands for harvesting of culturally- and medicinally- valuable native plants. Unfortunately, local plant diversity and traditional knowledge are currently threatened by changing weather patterns, gas and oil exploration, land loss due to manmade and natural causes, saltwater intrusion and coastal degradation. The objective of the research was to identify major plants that were important to the tribal communities as well as the issues surrounding their disappearance. We also used GIS mapping to determine former and current locations of this assemblage of freshwater plants, and explore local solutions to address the problems shared by all three communities. Engagement in conversation with tribal members allowed for the collection of ethnobotanical knowledge that was cross-referenced with historical documents in addition to geographical range maps housed in the US Department of Agriculture Plant Resource Database. Historic vegetation maps of Terrebonne Parish were created using the online mapping tool found on the Louisiana Wetlands Coastwide Reference Monitoring System website. Future directions include working with elders and traiteurs, or faith healers, to create participatory maps and integrating local knowledge with long-term scientific projections. Our exploration of ethnobotanical resources will potentially assist these communities adapt to climate change through identification of at risk plants and options for their retention.