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.

Compost Workshop at Malahat Community Garden

The Community Food Network organized and funded a compost workshop at the Malahat Community Garden on Friday, September 23, 2022. It was taught by Kayla Siefried from the Compost Education Center and was a hands-on demo of making outdoor compost and general tips and tricks and uses for compost. The gardeners received kudos from Kayla for having a very pollinator friendly garden.

Attending was Sandy Joe (lead gardener), Shane Sylvester (seasonal gardener) and Darren James (assistant gardener).

Please reach out to seannaj@nautsamawt.com if you would like to host a compost workshop in your community or if you'd like the notes from this workshop.

2022 Orange Shirts Are Now Available!

Our Indigenous Marketing team over at Naut'sa mawt Resources Group has just launched this year's Orange Shirt Campaign for 2022!

On September 30th, we wear orange shirts in honour of the healing journey of Residential School survivors and their families and to affirm our commitment to reconciliation and anti-racism.

This year's shirts and hoodies are designed by Indigenous artist Stacia Goodman, who is a Liqwiltox̌ artist (part of the Kwakwakaw’wakw peoples) and member of the We Wai Kai First Nation, originating from the traditional territory of Tsa-Kwa-Luten (Cape Mudge on Quadra Island, British Columbia).

Artist Statement:

“Mother Bear Energy” For such an intimidating predator with impressive teeth and claws, mother bears are one of the most loving and caring creatures to their children. They are also ferocious defenders of their cubs and are a force to be reckoned with. This immense inner strength reminds me of the untapped raw power in all our Indigenous women who act as warriors and healers. In my piece, I wanted to capture that beautiful spirit of a protective warrior and an uplifting healer full of love. Our inner warrior can show those teeth and claws, never backing down when it comes to fighting for what is just and right when it comes to our people. Our inner healer does the challenging work, practicing love and lateral kindness, choosing to be a toxic cycle breaker and uplifting those who surround us in our communities. I thought this duality of love and strength was such fitting energy to bring into a representation of an orange shirt day design. -Stacia Goodman, We Wai Kai Nation

Orange Shirt Day is on September 30th, and our 2022 shirts and hoodies are available now for purchase online at www.indigenousmarketing.ca. For your schools, businesses, clubs, and organizations, we also offer savings on quantities of 12+ and 24+. Get them while they last!

Naut'sa mawt Tribal Council Staff retreat in T'Sou-ke First Nation territory

Come and chat with us online!