Yearly Archives: 2022

The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve lands on Sidney Spit will be closed to the public this winter to allow for deer hunting by local First Nations people. This annual closure lasts from November 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023. The first week of November will be set aside exclusively for WSÁNEĆ Hunters. W̱SÁNEĆ hunters interested in taking advantage of the opportunity to hunt during this first week are asked to please contact Eric Pelkey via text at 250-880 2457, so that the logistics can be coordinated based on the numbers interested. In preparation for the for those who would [...]

The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve lands on Sidney Spit will be closed to the public this winter to allow for deer hunting by local First Nations people. This annual closure lasts from November 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023.  Since 2005, Parks Canada has closed public access to Sidney Spit for traditional hunting. This public closure extends to all of the national park reserve land during this period. Parks Canada has created a hunting schedule to increase safety, avoid conflict with volunteer events, and reduce the occurrence of multiple parties hunting simultaneously. To schedule your activity please contact Ben [...]

Catching up with the Reef Net Project Youth Learn more about the Youth Reef Net Workers and their recent experience setting the reef net this year. Click play to view the short video, or read the transcript below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tPGEoz6nQs Interviewer: Can you tell us the date, time, and logistical information about launching the reef net? Edna Elsworth: I believe we set the reef net on August 7th. It was late afternoon and we had two canoes and three or four support boats we were successful in launching the net and the lead, which was really exciting and it was the [...]

October 21st, the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board is hosting its 50th-anniversary & school Grand Opening celebration. All students and families are invited to attend to celebrate the accomplishments of the past 50 years and view the new facilities. “We are so excited to unveil our new, world-class facilities and to celebrate 50 years of great work together this fall.” shares Curtis Olsen. The 50-year anniversary celebration will take place on Thursday, October 21st from 10 am to 4 pm at the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board gymnasium. All generations of students, families, teachers, staff, and Elders from the four communities of W̱JOȽEȽP/Tsartlip, BOḰEĆEN/ [...]

Truth & Reconciliation Day from a W̱SÁNEĆ perspective On Truth and Reconciliation Day, we are featuring the perspectives of members of our W̱SÁNEĆ community. We asked, what does the day mean to you, and how are you spending the day. Special thanks to Dave Paul, ESKISELWET / Tracy Underwood, Carolyn Sampson, Edna Ellsworth, and Kusemaat - Shirley Williams for sharing their stories. Interviewer, What does Truth & Reconciliation Day mean to you? Kusemaat - Shirley Williams:  Truth and Reconciliation Day means remembering our ancestors and all life of Mother Earth every day and taking action to ensure thriving culture and [...]