In order to ensure that the harvesting meets quality and ethical guidelines, Siska Traditions Society has initiated a harvester certification program.

Based on Siska's Ethical Picking Practices language and culture are embedded throughout the program and elders play a key role in teaching: how to give thanks for the gifts from Mother Earth, when to start picking, and how to pick sustainably.

Using botanical names and Nlaka'pamux names during the training allows harvesters to properly identify the plants and build upon their skills in botanical conventions. Harvesting sites are recorded with GPS (Global Positions System) which supports Siska's land use planning.

All harvesters have taken the Food Safe course and are trained in hygienic handling of the plant products. The safety of harvesters is incorporated through Bear Safe and First Aid courses. The trainings are videotaped and provide an excellent cultural and educational resource to others in the community who wish to pick recreationally. Together these program components assure product safety and sustainability while preserving cultural and spiritual knowledge.