WLC

Rhodes, Tsartlip band honoured TOURISM VICTORIA AWARDS By Norman Gidney Times Colonist staff    The man who started the whale-watching industry in Victoria a decade ago and the Tsartlip Indian band were honoured Wednesday for contributions to local tourism.    Alex Rhodes, who started Seacoast Expeditions in 1990 with a single inflatable, received Tourism Victoria's 17th annual Miracle award at the organization's annual meeting.    Named for a wounded killer whale which Sealand tried to nurse back to health, the award recognizes "extraordinary effort and memorable achievement," said presenter Paul Miller.    Miller, who started the Victoria Harbour Ferry Co. at the same time, [...]

Four Chiefs To Sit On Board    Four Saanich Peninsula band chiefs will sit on Canada's first Indian school board, it was announced Thursday at a meeting in the East Saanich Reserve community hall.    The new board will run Tsartlip day school on West Saanich Road.    The chiefs - Phil Paul (Tsartlip), Gabriel Pelkey (Tsawout), Don Williams (Pauquachin), and Sandy Jones (Teycum) - will make up an interim board along with Victor Underwood Jr., Gus Bill, Marie Cooper and Tom Sampson.    The four bands formed the Saanich Indian Education Association two years ago when they learned the federal government planned to [...]

UNDRIP and Local Governments The everyday decisions and actions of local governments – ranging from regulating significant natural areas and hunting grounds to creating regulations that directly affect the health of the land and water – have profound, often harmful impacts on the rights of W̱SÁNEĆ. In fact, there are so many cumulative impacts from these decisions, there is no longer a place in W̱SÁNEĆ territory where W̱SÁNEĆ can practice inherent or treaty rights without watchful judgment. XPȺ¸ (Western Redcedar) - W̱SÁNEĆ Territory Yet, any local government body has very little obligation to consult with or consider W̱SÁNEĆ Rights. [...]

Meet Patrick Elliott (Traditional Name: Thuyquletse’) From the W̱SÁNEĆ and Stz'uminus territories, Patrick is a rising star recently honoured with the Greater Victoria Athletic Award! Overcoming challenges with resilience, he’s now focused on mentoring young athletes and giving back to his community. Patrick has overcome injuries and self-doubt, building mental toughness and discipline. Now, he’s giving back by coaching, mentoring, and inspiring First Nation communities. What’s next? University soccer and chasing greatness! Go to https://wsanec.com/ to learn more about Patrick’s inspiring journey! Who are you, and where are you from ÍY SȻÁĆEL HÁLE XÍXELÁȾE TŦE NE SNÁ ĆSE LÁ,E [...]

⚽ Meet Katia Olsen! ⚽ As the manager, organizer, and proud auntie of the W̱SÁNEĆ Islanders U16 girls' soccer team, Katia is helping young athletes stay motivated, build community, and chase big dreams! 🌟 From training hard in the gym to fundraising for the Hawaii International Tournament 🌴, Katia is making sure these girls have every opportunity to grow, compete, and create lifelong memories. 💙🏆 Support the team as they gear up for their next big challenge! 🙌🏽 Who are you to the team? My name is Katia Olsen, and I manage the W̱SÁNEĆ Islanders U16 girls' soccer team. [...]