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Breaking News: History made as ŦE,ITḴEN,IST I SȽEW̱ ÁL,NOṈET SĆȺ,Í, a Joint Statement by the W̱SÁNEĆ Chiefs of Tsartlip, Tseycum First Nations, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation acknowledge the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation is the beneficiary of and successor to the North Saanich and South Saanich Treaties of 1852. The signing of this Joint Statement is the result of months of hard work by W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership & Staff. Please sign up for our newsletter & follow us on socials to be notified of the upcoming community celebration and ceremony. View Final Joint Statement PDF [...]

Indian Chief Hits Poverty Culture    “Poverty culture,” not Indian culture, is the main barrier preventing Indians from taking their rightful place in society.    Tsartlip Chief Philip Paul, administrator of Indian Vocational Training Services in Victoria, emphasized this when he headed a panel discussion on the education of Indian children held at the Institute of Adult Studies Monday evening.    “We’re dealing with a basic economic situation,” he said.  “We must hold discussions, sift information and carefully build up Indians to the point where they can fully participate in society.”    The panel was the outcome of a dispute last December sparked by [...]

This year’s open house at W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (WLC) brought community members and WLC staff together for a whole afternoon of learning, fun, and reflection on WLC’s work uplifting W̱SÁNEĆ in 2024. The 2025 open house took place at W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Office on Thursday, February 13th. WLC warmly welcomed community members with snacks and door prizes, setting a celebratory tone for the afternoon. With snacks in hand, community members and WLC staff met, chatted, and connected. Those interested in an in-depth look at WLC’s work enhancing recognition of and respect for W̱SÁNEĆ rights, title, and culture also enjoyed presentations [...]

Tod Inlet title is what Tsartlips want Band councillor says money isn’t the issue The site-specific land claim filed by the Tsartlip band is based on title, not money, says band councillor John Elliott. “We’re not interested in money, it’s the title to the land that’s at stake,” Elliott said in an interview. He was responding to statements by Central Saanich Coun. Kip Wilson that the issue is “clearly one of compensation.” Wilson, a lawyer, told council the best the band with end up with is money. “There won’t be any transferring of ownership of land,” he told council. The [...]

You're invited to the Community Meeting on the Proposed National Marine Conservation Area Reserve What: 11 Nation Communities Session on National Marine Conservation Area Proposal. Who: 11 Nations from W̱SÁNEĆ to Sneuneymx are working to take up and take back our roles, responsibilities and authorities over our shared lands and waters. Where: Arbutus Ridge Golf Club: 3515 Telegraph Rd, Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L4 When: Friday, February 28th from 9 am to 4 pm *Limited space. RSVP required Each Nation is managing their own attendees Honoraria and transport are available. Tsartlip and Tseycum Members, contact marla.sampson@wsanec.com to reserve your spot [...]

Indians Plan Legal Fight On Goldstream    A legal battle looms between Indian bands and the city over the proposed transfer of 700 acres of Goldstream property by the Greater Victoria Water Board to the Provincial government for park development.    Chief Thunderbird, otherwise known as Jean Baptiste Paul, of Brentwood, who claims the land belongs to the Indians, said today legal action will be taken if the transfer plans go ahead.    Chief Thunderbird, who achieved fame as a wrestler in the United States and Europe, said the Indian claim to the land is supported by the Tsartlip, Saanich and Malahat bands. [...]

The winners for the Goldstream Surveys that were drawn this week are: Jacqueline Jim Will Morris Paul Sam The cheques for $100 each will be ready for pick-up this Friday, February 14. RECENT POSTS How are we doing? Leave Us Your Feedback Here

Event Postponed Due to weather and safety concerns, the event originally scheduled for February 11, 2025, has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon. The PKOLS Naming Celebration & Sign Rededication honors the restoration of the mountain’s traditional name and its deep cultural significance to the WSÁNEĆ people. HÍSW̱ḴE