Kwantlen guides teach through Salish stories

Standing in front of a blazing fire, Kwantlen Nation storyteller Fern Gabriel (Sesmelot) shared the story of how salmon came to her people with about two dozen guests at what’s now known as the Fort Langley Historical Site.

The story … Read More

Stz’uminus-carved ‘Salish Wind’ canoe acknowledges shared history

The Stz’uminus-carved Salish Wind canoe was dedicated during an event for Heritage Week where members of the nation came together with representatives from the Town of Ladysmith to recognize their shared history.

The red cedar canoe was built by Stz’uminus … Read More

Ay Lelum brings Coast Salish culture to Vancouver Fashion Week

By Cara McKenna

The Snuneymuxw family-run fashion house Ay Lelum showcased their work at Vancouver Fashion Week with a collection that was all about transformation and honouring matriarchs. Featuring original music and designs, Ay Lelum’s Fall/Winter 18 collection displayed the … Read More

Investing in culture: Homalco chief envisions bright future for youth

By Cara McKenna

Homalco Chief Darren Blaney has a vision to help the next generation to have a strong cultural understanding, thriving resources and big dreams.

The recently elected leader ran on a campaign of investing in youth and reconnecting … Read More

Second Hɛhɛwšɩn canoe unveiled at Tla’amin

Photos and story by Cara McKenna

The unveiling of a second Hɛhɛwšɩn canoe at Tla’amin marks the beginning of a greater understanding between the nation and wider community.

A small, 4.5-metre canoe for children and youth was revealed at a … Read More

Haunted on Saysutshun

Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) writer and educator. During a trip to Snuneymuxw territory, she was unsettled to find an apparently violent connection to her people on Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) when she came across Kanaka Bay and … Read More

New chief, council sworn in at Snuneymuxw

Photos by Todd Peacey

Snuneymuxw’s new chief and council was sworn in during a ceremony at the nation on Feb. 1.

Chief Mike Wyse (Xumtilum) was elected to lead the nation with 311 votes on Dec. 2. He was running … Read More

Clam Bed Rock on Saysutshun

Told by Celestine Aleck (Sahiltiniye) of Snuneymuxw First Nation

Snuneymuxw has always treasured Saysutshun (Newcastle Island).

It has been used for three things: to harvest traditional medicines, for training grounds for canoe pullers where they had run the trails, and … Read More

Tsawwassen Legislature opens for Spring session

Photos and story by Cara McKenna

The Spring session of the Tsawwassen Legislature is now in session as leadership aims to build on the community’s successes in 2018.

While it is in session, the legislature—consisting of 13 members plus the … Read More

Tsleil-Waututh plans mass mobilization against Kinder Morgan

Members of Tsleil-Waututh Nation and allied environmental organizations have set a date for mass mobilization against Texas oil giant Kinder Morgan, saying it’s just the beginning of its campaign against the company’s Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.

An initiative called “Kwekwecnewtxw—Protect … Read More