Predicting Suitable Habitat for <i> Sk ^w enk ^w ínem </i> ( <i>Claytonia lanceolata</i> ), a Culturally Significant Plant, Using a Reproducible Species Distribution Model

Colonialism and a changing climate have threatened culturally significant food plants and the well-being of those who rely on them. An example is <i>sk</i> ^<i>w</i> <i>enk</i> ^<i>w</i> <i>ínem</i> (western spring beauty, <i>Claytonia lanceolata</i>: Pursh), which has declined in quality and accessibility for the <i>Secwépemc</i> People of Skeetchestn Indian Band. This study aims to provide predictions and visual tools to inform Skeetchestn's conservation efforts for their <i>sk</i> ^<i>w</i> <i>enk</i> ^<i>w</i> <i>ínem</i> patches, from a computationally reproducible species distribution model. Using a set of predictors informed by qualitative interviews with Skeetchestn community members (Informed model), and the 19 bioclimatic variables from WorldClim (WorldClim model), we predicted suitable habitat for <i>sk</i> ^<i>w</i> <i>enk</i> ^<i>w</i> <i>ínem</i> over its known range. For both our total study area and Skeetchestn Territory, we predicted a decrease in suitable habitat from the present to 2081-2100, based on the WorldClim CMIP6 climate change scenario SSP 5-8.5 (worst case). These predictions use Skeetchestn's knowledge of <i>sk</i> ^<i>w</i> <i>enk</i> ^<i>w</i> <i>ínem</i> and commonly used bioclimatic predictors to support Skeetchestn's goals of food sovereignty.