Kus-kus-sum estuary timeline

Circa 1,300 years ago and onwards — Estuary used to fish by local Indigenous people using traditional methods such as weirs. 

Late 1940s — Site cleared of trees to make way for Field Sawmill. 

1949 — Field Sawmill moves from former … Read More

What is an estuary?

An estuary is found at the mouths of rivers flowing into the sea, in which freshwater mixes with saltwater and creates a unique, plentiful ecosystem for numerous species. 

As University of Victoria fisheries biologist Dr. Francis Juanes explained, many salmon and other … Read More

Kus-kus-sum: K’ómoks estuary set to be restored after decades of industrial damage

Above: K’ómoks artist Andy Everson stands among ancient fishtraps at the nation’s village site at low tide.

By Cara McKenna and David P. Ball

Beside the Courtenay River in K’ómoks territory, an abandoned sawmill site interrupts what would otherwise be a picturesque … Read More

UBC Indigenous-led garden brings connection amid uncertainty

Photo: Led by mentor Kim Haxton, a small crew from IndigenEYEZ works to prep the beds for planting.

By Skayu Louis

The Tu’wusht Garden Project is an Indigenous-led food security initiative at the University of British Columbia. Named in the Tla’amin language, Tu’wusht means “we belong” and is a … Read More

Malahat Nation looks to sustainable future with solar installation

Photo: Malahat Nation.

A recently-installed solar system at Malahat Nation is a first step as the community looks to a more sustainable future. 

Solar energy is now being utilized in the nation’s new multipurpose centre and in the Kwunew Kwasun community building. 

The 50kW photovoltaic system consists of 222 individual … Read More

‘This is not going to stop us,’ say nations after pipeline lawsuit ruling

Photo: TWN Chief Leah George-Wilson speaks about the ruling during a press conference Feb. 4.

By David P. Ball

The First Nations who sued to stop the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion say they’re “disappointed but not surprised” by a major … Read More

Fish traps and petroforms in Tla’amin territory

Above, from left: Alex Sutcliffe, Jordan Enns, Betty Wilson and Alana Washington, with fish traps and petroforms visible in the background. Photo by Phil Russell.

By Alex Sutcliffe 

“Tla’amin is not just like any other neighbourhood. We belong to a … Read More

Acts of Resistance exhibit features ‘aerial blockade’ banners

In July of 2018, Tsleil-Waututh member Will George (Swaysən) made headlines when he rappelled himself from a Vancouver bridge in opposition of Kinder Morgan. 

At the time, George was part of a seven-person “aerial blockade” that was held to stop tanker traffic … Read More

Malahat grows community garden

Photo: Sandy Joe, who manages Malahat Nation’s two community gardens, shows off the newest space.

Walking through Malahat Nation’s spacious new community garden, Sandy Joe points out an impressive variety of plants are already growing in the space.  

The project only began earlier this summer, … Read More

Tla’amin promotes food security with community garden

By Doreen Hopkins, Tla’amin community garden coordinator 

Photos by Phil Russell 

Tla’amin Nation has a community garden that’s promoting food security and composting. 

The purpose of the garden is to encourage our community members to start a garden of their own — if an emergency were ever … Read More