Local Government Series

On September 22, 2026, the City of Langford, W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip First Nation), and W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum First Nation), through the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (W̱LC), came together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalizing a shared commitment to strengthen relationships, foster collaboration, and advance priorities that benefit current and future generations. The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration based on mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to building strong and lasting government-to-government relationships. Through this partnership, the three governments will work together on areas of common interest, including economic development, arts and culture, tourism, environmental stewardship, and advocacy. The agreement [...]

W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip First Nation) and W̱SÍḴEM (Tseycum First Nation) have signed historic Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with the municipalities of Central Saanich and Sidney. The two Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), signed on July 10, are separate tripartite agreements arranged through the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (W̱LC), including: An MOU between the District of Central Saanich and the W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip First Nation) and W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum First Nation) An MOU between the Town of Sidney and the W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip First Nation) and W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum First Nation) The agreements establish formal government-to-government relationships with a shared commitment to reconciliation, collaborative stewardship, and cultural respect, recognizing that [...]

Did you know that southern island First Nations in modern treaty negotiations have the ability to negotiate a seat at the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) Board of Directors table? In recent years, the BC Government and CRD have expressed interest in having all First Nations participate as voting members at the regional district board table. This is one of the specific actions within the province’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) Action Plan and one of the facets in their broader goal of advancing “inclusive regional governance”. But this begs the question: Is this what First Nations [...]

The W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council, as part of its government-to-government relationships with the municipalities and regional districts that operate within W̱SÁNEĆ territory, hosted Awareness Learning Sessions for elected officials and senior staff. These sessions provided a unique opportunity to learn about W̱SÁNEĆ history, territory, culture, rights, laws, and ways of being.  Local governments make decisions over W̱SÁNEĆ territory every day, they oversee zoning and land use planning, regulate the use of public spaces, including significant natural areas and hunting grounds, manage infrastructure, and are responsible for a variety of local services. Despite this, they have very little obligation to consult with [...]

PKOLS — or “White Rock” or White Head” — was once again the site of an important gathering and ceremony today, as a celebration and sign rededication event completed the process to restore the mountain’s name. In 2013, the W̱SÁNEĆ people marched up PKOLS and dedicated a sign placed at the summit, created by the late Charles Elliott, to honour the traditional name on the mountain. Today, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council hosted, in partnership with the District of Saanich, a ceremony to celebrate the restoration of the name PKOLS and the sign rededication. Chas Elliott, Charles Elliott’s son, restored and [...]

The cumulative impact of the decisions made by local governments – such as zoning and land use decisions, bylaw promulgation, and regulations affecting significant natural areas, hunting grounds, and the overall health of the lands and waters – have significant impacts on W̱SÁNEĆ Territory, rights, and interests. Despite this, local government bodies have little obligation to consult with or consider W̱SÁNEĆ when making decisions. That’s why the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (WLC) is engaging with the local governments that operate in and make decisions over W̱SÁNEĆ Territory - not because there is a desire for W̱SÁNEĆ to become more like [...]

The CRD, Tsartlip and Tseycum First Nations sign Memorandum of Understanding Victoria, BC– Capital Regional District (CRD), W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), and W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum) First Nations, through the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (WLC), are pleased to announce they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing their government-to-government relationship. The CRD operates on the Territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ people, who have stewarded these lands and seawaters since time immemorial. By providing this mechanism to include W̱JOȽEȽP and W̱SIḴEM priorities, and First Nations knowledge into CRD initiatives, this collaboration will help foster a more inclusive approach to regional government. Caption: MOU Signing Ceremony. Pictured left to right: CRD Board Chair, Cliff McNell-Smith; [...]