The W̱SÁNEĆ SQTO (Messenger)

Provides in-depth discussions, interviews, and insights into topics relevant to W̱SÁNEĆ community members.

Latest Episode

Episode 4: Understanding the Joint Statement with Joni Olsen

In our latest episode, Joni Olsen provides an insightful breakdown of the Joint Statement — a historic step toward recognizing W̱SÁNEĆ land rights and sovereignty. The statement challenges colonial interpretations of the Douglas Treaties of 1852, emphasizing the importance of oral history, Indigenous self-determination, and reconciliation efforts.

This Joint Statement is a significant milestone, but the work is far from over. By continuing the conversation, advocating for Indigenous leadership, and pushing for real action, we move one step closer to justice for the W̱SÁNEĆ people.

Episode 3: Reef Net Fishing with Eric Pelkey

In this episode, Eric Pelkey talks about the history of reef net fishing within the W̱SÁNEĆ community.Reef nets are a system given to us by XÁLS to fish in a way where we only take what we need. They also represent familial ties and connections to many family reef net sites, not just from Saanich but also in cousin nations like Lummi. Today, Eric Pelkey hopes the passing on of knowledge to the next generation will keep the practice alive and well.

Episode 2: Exploring ‘kinship’ with Eric Pelkey, WLC’s Community Engagement Coordinator

In this episode, Eric Pelkey shares his thoughts on ‘kinship’ and the historical relationship between the five W̱SÁNEĆ bands. This episode aims to explore the history of these Nations, the importance of collaboration between W̱SÁNEĆ bands and highlights some complexities of the important work in reclaiming W̱SÁNEĆ rights.

Episode 1: A Message from Gord Elliott, WLC’s Director of Operations

In this episode, Gord Elliott narrates his response to concerns expressed by community members on the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (WLC) page regarding WLC discussions with Government on W̱SÁNEĆ people’s inherent, and Douglas Treaty rights. The response became too long to post on social media so this article aims to answer some of those concerns and highlights some complexities of the important work regarding W̱SÁNEĆ inherent rights.

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