This story highlights how Simon Fraser University Masters’ Candidate Desiree Lawson combined academic research with Haíɫzaqv (Heiltsuk) laws, language, and community knowledge to revitalize and future-proof clam gardens. Rooted in her community of Bella Bella, Lawson’s work demonstrates how Indigenous laws and stewardship practices can guide conservation efforts. By defending her master’s thesis in her Nation’s territory, she ensured her research was shared directly with her Haíłzaqv community—making it accessible and meaningful. Her approach offers a powerful example of how Indigenous-led research can strengthen cultural connections, support language revitalization, and inform future restoration efforts.

Lawson also developed a short documentary to help share her research throughout the Haíɫzaqv community.

The Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership (CRP) provided some funds to support this project. The CRP Student Bursary initiative was made possible through the generous contributions of the following partners: WWF-Canada, Nature United, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.