SAFE visited the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) exhibit, “Knowing Nature Stories of the Boreal Forest,” which explores the boreal forest biome.
By MIa Amaral
“Knowing Nature Stories of the Boreal Forest” is the first exhibit at the PEM with Spanish translations. This exhibit uplifts stories of the indigenous tribes and communities that reside in the forest, discussing how vital the boreal forest is to their lives and culture. “Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest” is on view until September 27th, 2026, and will host a wide variety of events during its stay, including caribou ornament decorating, a Birds at Rest Lecture, and a film screening.
“Knowing Nature” was built with sustainability in mind. The Smithsonian Institution used renewable resources and production methods. Additionally, the PEM installation uses energy-efficient lighting and repurposed walls and cases. Interactive aspects of the exhibit uses recycled paper for guests to write on, offering them a hands-on experience.
Boreal forests make up nearly ⅓ of all of Earth’s forested areas. In North America, the forests cover the majority of Canada and Alaska, even extending down to the United States. The biome extends in a large band across Russia and Northern Europe. The species of trees within the biome include spruce, fir, and pine, and are vital to maintaining the world’s climate.
The boreal forest is often used for its natural resources, such as logging. Mass extraction of these natural resources makes these supplies available all over the world, but depletes them at a staggering rate. As more resources are taken, the forest becomes increasingly fragmented and less able to support ecosystems. Industrial-scale extraction harms soils, infiltrating deep layers. This level of extraction releases immense amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, furthering the acceleration of climate change.
The boreal forest is home to hundreds of sovereign indigenous nations and communities. The forest provides large unbroken habitats for species like caribou, which are vital to the culture and history of indigenous nations and communities.
There are numerous species of caribou, with some living in mountainous areas, and others living in the dense forests. Some migrate throughout the forest, and others live year-round within the tundra. Indigenous communities have many names for caribou, which describe their behaviors, movements, diet, and interactions with other species. Combining this indigenous knowledge and language with DNA analysis is leading to the creation of a fuller picture of caribou evolution and diversity.
“Knowing Nature Stories of the Boreal Forest” is an exhibit with an important message. It highlights the importance of sustainability and protecting the ecosystem of indigenous people. This ecosystem is integral to their survival, and with the help of this exhibit, the ecosystem can be preserved better than ever before.
Mia Amaral is SAFE’s Programs Intern.