Continuing the Sacred Ceremonies of Our Ancestors

 With deep gratitude, our team at Naut’sa mawt had the privilege of receiving the teachings of Stz’uminus Elder Wholwolet’za George Harris as he led us through a sacred Cedar Brushing ceremony. Carrying the wisdom of his Coast Salish ancestors, Wholwolet’za—a name given to him by his great-grandfather of Lyackson First Nation—offered this sacred practice to cleanse both our office and our spirits, clearing away unwanted energy and bringing renewal.

Cedar Brushing is a powerful ceremony deeply rooted in Coast Salish traditions. It serves as a way to remove negativity, restore balance, and invite positive energy. With cedar branches in hand, Elder George moved through our space with intention and prayer, embodying the teachings passed down through generations. The experience was one of healing and connection, reminding us of the strength found in community and tradition.

Guided by the words of his grandmother, “Q’wam-kwum tsun shqˌwuluwun”—“Make up your mind to be strong”—Elder George continues to share his teachings with his children, grandchildren, and all who are fortunate to learn from him. His wisdom, rooted in the knowledge of his ancestors, offers a path forward in both personal and collective healing.

We raise our hands in deep appreciation for his generosity, guidance, and unwavering commitment to preserving and sharing the sacred traditions of his people. Hay čxʷ q̓ə, Elder George, for always sharing your knowledge with Naut’sa mawt and for reminding us of the strength and resilience carried in our cultures and ceremonies.

Looking Ahead with Purpose: Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council’s Vision for 2025

Strategic planning is an important time for us—a time for reflection, connection, and meaningful conversation. Each year, as we gather for these sessions, we reflect on the year that has passed, sharing stories of challenges, successes, and growth. It’s an opportunity to recognize our achievements and thoughtfully plan the path ahead, always grounded in our responsibility to support our Member Nations and their self-determined paths.

As we discussed our vision for 2025, we focused not only on goals but on how we can continue to be a true partner to our Nations. We reflected on our journey, the lessons learned, and the opportunities ahead. Our conversations were guided by respect, community, and mutual support, ensuring we move forward in ways that honor the strength and wisdom of our cultures.

We’re stepping into 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for what’s ahead. With peaceful hearts, open minds, and a dedicated team, we’re ready to bring our ideas to life. Together, we’re building a future rooted in collaboration, innovation, and shared success.

T'Souke First Nation: the Epitome of Stewards of the Land

T'Souke First Nation exemplifies what it means to be stewards of the land. In collaboration with organizations such as the Coastal Restoration Society, work continues on projects such as the monitoring of green crab populations, marine shore clean-up, emergency response, and monitoring of wild salmon populations. The Coastal Restoration Society supports environmental remediation projects in alliance with First Nations and government agencies, as well as community members and businesses in the marine industry like Vancouver Island Lodge.

Chief Gordon Planes, T'Sou'ke First Nation

The monitoring and controlling of the European green crab population is a challenging one, given that they are a thriving, invasive species which poses a danger to native eelgrass beds, juvenile clam beds, and wild salmon rearing habitat.

"Invasive European Green Crab are being found up and down the West Coast in larger numbers than ever. These crabs outcompete native species and destroy sensitive and ecologically important habitat.

Coastal Restoration Society, in partnership with BCSRIF (British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ahousaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, and T'Sou-ke First Nations have launch a project to study industrial trapping as a way to mitigate the impacts of European Green Crab on the West Coast of Canada. "

As well, the Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative is aimed at the removal of anthropogenic debris from shoreline environments and removal of derelict vessels from near and inshore marine environments.

"In partnership with the T’Sou-ke First Nation, the beaches around Sooke got a deep clean this summer thanks to the Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative, which funded the T’Sou-ke Shoreline Beach Clean Up. A team built of T’Sou-ke Nation members, local businesses, and community members retrieved a staggering 10 tons of debris, with the majority headed to the The Ocean Legacy Foundation recycling facility in Vancouver."

Naut'sa mawt Tribal Council raises our hands to Chief Gordon Planes as he continues to inspire others and show that T'Souke First Nation is the embodiment of Indigenous Land Guardians. Hay čxʷ q̓ə.