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Over the last few months, the W̱SÁNEĆ Lands Trust Society (WLTS) hosted an open call for artists to submit their ideas for a new logo. The winner would receive $750 and their artwork would be used in all WLTS communications materials, including the forthcoming website. As numerous talented artists submitted their art, it was a difficult decision made by the WLTS advisory committee.  The WLTS is pleased to offer a warm congrats to LessLIE (Sam) as the winner of the W̱SÁNEĆ Lands Trust Society Logo contest! LessLIE (Sam) is of Cowichan and Penelakut descent and proudly works in the Coast [...]

This time of year, around what is now called November and December , is traditionally known as SJELCASEN- The Moon of putting your paddle away in the bush. This moon is the season of strong winds. The weather is unpredictable, making it unsafe to travel. It is time to put the big sea canoes and paddles away. It is time to honour the paddle for carrying one safely all season long. Snow is possible at this time of year. The long house activities start. WEATHER Strong and sudden winds are now common on the open sea and it [...]

   Tsartlips claim to ‘sacred’ Tod Inlet By Bill Smith Times Colonist (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) · Tue, Nov 30, 1993 The Tsartlip Band has plans to lay claim to Tod Inlet. The band is working on a site-specific land claim for the inlet and portions of surrounding land. And while the land is already targeted for major development by Fama Holdings, band chief Daniel Sam said the area is “legally ours.” “There is no bill of sale to say it was bought from the Tsartlip people,” Sam said Monday. Band elders have given descriptions of Tsartlip boundaries from Mount [...]

Can you tell me a bit about who you are and where you’re from? My name is Ned, and I was born and raised in W̱SÁNEĆ and lək ̓ ʷəŋən territory and I’ve spent my entire life here. I love it here. I graduated from Reynolds Secondary School in 2017 and have continued to live on these lands since then. I'm an outgoing person and I really love spending time with people. I see myself as a people person, but I also can appreciate and value time alone as well.  Whatever I do, I like to do it with passion [...]

Initial restoration of ȾIKEL is underway, with seed harvesting, invasive species removal, and log delivery events paving the way for W̱SÁNEĆ Community-Led Wetland Restoration Planning in 2025, and the land’s ultimate return to its natural state and important cultural role within W̱SÁNEĆ territory. Before it was taken by settlers, ȾIKEL was a 300-acre wetland stewarded by W̱SÁNEĆ. Settlers drained the land for farming purposes, destroying the original ecosystem. In late 2023, the Berglund Family recognized the need for reconciliation and restoration in this place and decided to return a 47.5-acre parcel in the heart of ȾIKEL to W̱SÁNEĆ through [...]

Have your say on whether W̱SÁNEĆ should negotiate for a "National Marine Conservation Area Reserve" (NMCAR) as a tool for retaking governance and decision-making within W̱SÁNEĆ territories. Session will include information and community discussion on: The Indigenous Management Board (IMB) - the eleven-Nation alliance  (from W̱SÁNEĆ to Snuneymux) IMB discussions with the Crown to date: IMB vision to take up and take back roles, responsibilities and authorities Seeking Nation to Nation level discussions A proposal being developed for an NMCAR Work underway to assess whether the NMCAR proposal is what Nations want We want to hear your views to help [...]

Save the Date: The W̱LC's Annual General Meeting will be happening on Dec. 18th. Stay tuned for more information. RECENT POSTS How are we doing? Leave Us Your Feedback Here

   Totem raising is 'a day in history' Tseycum First Nation celebrates deal with province over road construction, burial sites JUDITH LAVOIE Times Colonist (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) · Sat, Nov 17, 2012 A decades-old dispute between a Saanich Peninsula First Nation and the provincial government took a tentative step toward reconciliation Friday. As Tseycum First Nation celebrated the unveiling of a newly refurbished totem pole on West Saanich Road, Aboriginal Relations Minister Ida Chong offered regrets for the hurt caused by construction of the road over historical burial sites. "We can't change the past, but we need to move [...]

ÍY SȻÁĆEL Ladies! Oooshk! It’s cold out! Need to stay warm out there.. Let’s do some knitting together! I’ve gathered some ladies to help teach, all materials will be provided. If you’re already working on some knitting or other projects, bring it with you. We will make a head band or cuffs. This will be happening for two evenings, to ensure we can have our work complete. As mentioned in the poster materials are limited so, please make sure to let me know you will be attending by emailing  “RSVP Knitting”  to Shantelle.Voyageur@wsanec.com November 27th & 28th Wednesday and Thursday [...]

The W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council extends our deepest condolences on the passing of John Horgan. His legacy as a leader who dedicated his career to serving the people of British Columbia will be remembered with great respect and gratitude. Throughout his time as Premier, John Horgan demonstrated a strong commitment to building meaningful relationships with communities across the province. He made a genuine effort to connect with Indigenous Nations, showing a level of openness and willingness to listen that was vital in fostering better understanding and collaboration. His approach was characterized by humility and a deep respect for the diverse voices [...]