The QENTOL, YEN / W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Guardians celebrate the release of new Audible Audiobook: KELL̵OLEMEĆEN: “The Introduction.”
Published on January 20, 2026, KELL̵OLEMEĆEN: “The Introduction” is a three-minute audiobook full of facts about the KELL̵OLEMEĆEN (Killer Whales) living in the waters of W̱SÁNEĆ’s traditional territory.
The text is also available in e-book format for those who prefer reading to listening. The e-book – which was published on December 13th, 2025 – is 15 pages long.
While initially created with the students and teachers of ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Tribal School in mind, KELL̵OLEMEĆEN: “The Introduction” is suitable for readers of any age who have an interest in KELL̵OLEMEĆEN or W̱SÁNEĆ.
Over the course of the book, narrator Mathias Sampson – a Marine Guardian himself – shares information from W̱SÁNEĆ Knowledge Holders about the types and groups of KELL̵OLEMEĆEN in the area, their food sources, their populations, and their lifestyles.
Beyond sharing interesting facts, KELL̵OLEMEĆEN: “The Introduction” immerses the reader in the world of KELL̵OLEMEĆEN by using SENĆOŦEN throughout.
The release of KELL̵OLEMEĆEN: “The Introduction” is part of the QENTOL, YEN / W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Guardians Program’s ongoing work to monitor and protect the marine environment and KELL̵OLEMEĆEN in W̱SÁNEĆ’s traditional territory as W̱SÁNEĆ have since time immemorial. Their work models the power of combining traditional knowledge with modern technology. The Marine Guardians recently won the 2026 Canadian Choice Award in the Non-Profit Organizations category for Saanich for this innovative work, a testament to their excellence, professionalism, and impact.
The Guardians’ work is split into four categories: habitat monitoring, baseline monitoring, compliance monitoring, and a cultural component. Through the cultural component, the Marine Guardians work to raise awareness of the relationship between W̱SÁNEĆ and KELŁOLEMEĆEN through events, ceremonies, workshops, and books like KELL̵OLEMEĆEN: “The Introduction.”
Going forward, the Marine Guardians plan to develop and release more short books like KELL̵OLEMEĆEN: “The Introduction” as part of the cultural component, creating plentiful opportunities for community members and settlers alike to learn about KELŁOLEMEĆEN and their relationship with W̱SÁNEĆ.
Purchase your copy of KELL̵OLEMEĆEN: “The Introduction” on Amazon today. Then, be sure to subscribe to the QENTOL, YEN / W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Guardians Program newsletter to stay up to date on future book releases and other efforts to protect KELŁOLEMEĆEN.
