A three-day gathering in Tsawout First Nation brought more than 100 people together in September as the nation showcased how Indigenous governance can guide the future of marine stewardship and local economies.
The Tsawout Fisheries Department hosted the major event, QEN,T Stewardship Gathering, from Sept. 23 to 25 at 7728 Tetayut Road. The purpose was to strengthen the economy through partnerships, promote understanding and awareness of the significant history of the land, and discuss Tsawout's Marine Law, which is shaping environmental management in real time.
Key to the discussion was the nation's 2023 declaration of the QEN'T Marine Protected Area (pronounced "qwant", and SENCOTEN for "caring for"), which reasserts governance over 155 kilometres of ocean in the traditional waters. The area has historically been a critical source of food for the Tsawout.
Though the nation signed the Douglas Treaties in the 19th century, promising it could continue to hunt and fish but also manage and protect the area, it hasn't been upheld by governments in a satisfactory way, explains Coun. Mavis Underwood. This has led to conflict, loss of access, ecological degradation, protected areas taken up by settlement, and commercial overfishing from outside the nation.
"It's been hard to do a re-education and rekindling of a relationship with RCMP, DFO and other environmental folks that are out there," Underwood said. "So it's really that opportunity to continue to grow awareness, establish key relationships. And I think things are actually improving. We're starting to see people recognizing these rights – that we didn't just make them up."
The event also highlighted the 2021 Marine Use Law, which requires licenses for anyone carrying out marine activities within Tsawout territory.
Sidney-based Cascadia Seaweed was the first license issued under the law, and in a major move, Tsawout became shareholders of the company in June 2025.
Underwood said it's part of Truth and Reconciliation in action. "It was really important for us to reclaim that empowered relationship with our history, with our way of life," she said. "It's bringing to life reconciliation actions that we as Indigenous First Nations can take and guiding non-Indigenous if they are looking for ways to reconcile."
Traditional knowledge was also shared with the audience, which included Indigenous leaders, members from Parks Canada, and technical staff from across the West Coast. There was a whale watching tour, a walking tour focused on restoration efforts, and keynote speakers.
Underwood said some of that vital traditional knowledge is now being built into the WSANEC school curriculum, and kids are being brought on the land to learn.
“This is really about encouraging youth, exchanging teachings, and carrying our history forward for the next generation.”
