SȾÁUTW̱ Renewing Community Presence in W̱ENÁ¸NEĆ
SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation is pleased to share plans for renewed presence and care on its reserve lands in W̱ENÁ¸NEĆ, also known as Fulford Bay. The first phase of this work is the W̱ENÁ¸NEĆ Campground Project, a Nation-led initiative grounded in cultural stewardship, community wellbeing, and sustainable economic development. A second phase will focus on creating a cultural space rooted in SȾÁUTW̱ teachings and traditions—a welcoming place for community members, families, and future generations to gather, connect, and celebrate identity. The vision for this space is inspired by the significance and form of a traditional longhouse, reflecting the cultural heart of the site.
“This project is more than a return to place; it reflects the teachings our people have always carried — to care for the land, to lift one another up, and to build with future generations in mind. The campground will help us steward this place in a good way, create opportunities for our members to gather along this shoreline, and welcome others in a manner that reflects who we are as SȾÁUTW̱ people. For our Elders who have carried this vision for so long, and for the young people who will one day carry it forward, this is a meaningful step for our Nation.” – Chief Pelkey.
PROJECT AT A GLANCE
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This important project builds on the spirit of welcome that has long been present at the reserve. It will create public campsites nestled in the upper forested area, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty and significance of the land in a respectful, low-impact way. In keeping with SȾÁUTW̱ values of stewardship, safety, and care for the environment, campfires will not be permitted.
Work on the reserve will begin in June with minimally invasive walk-in campsites designed to honour the land and protect its ecosystems. Campsites will have access to water and, in some cases, power extended from the adjacent Beach property. That property, known as Lot A, was purchased with funds raised by the Salt Spring community in 2025 as its first land back initiative, with support from the Salt Spring Island Foundation—an example of meaningful partnership in support of SȾÁUTW̱ priorities.
“The Foundation team is delighted to learn of the vision and activities led by the SȾÁUTW̱ on their land in W̱ENÁ¸NEĆ,” said Shannon Cowan, Executive Director of the Foundation. “We raise our hands to the entire Salt Spring Island community for such strong and enduring allyship in support of land back initiatives, and in support of SȾÁUTW̱ people and their traditional knowledge and culture. The renewed SȾÁUTW̱ presence, ecologically-sensible approach, and social enterprise are all meaningful steps in an ongoing process of reconciliation.” Construction of the planned cultural space will follow the development of the public campsites, on a timeline still to be confirmed. Once the project is complete, the Nation looks forward to hosting a celebration that welcomes community members to gather in a good way.
“Our thanks to the SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation who have generously allowed our community free access to this incredible natural oasis for generations,” said Gary Holman, Salt Spring Island Electoral Area Director. “The return of the SȾÁUTW̱ to their precious lands, while still sharing those lands with hikers and campers, is an act of reconciliation that will continue to benefit us all.”
Once construction is completed, the reserve will remain accessible to those arriving by bike or on foot from Fulford or Reginald Hill, with new access also available by boat. The project is designed to encourage low-impact visitation, reduce vehicular traffic, and support respectful shared use of the area. Parking for the project, as well as for day visitors, will be located on the reserve as part of a broader approach to minimizing impacts on neighboring properties. Keefer Ecological Services has been engaged to help reduce environmental impacts and support careful site stewardship. The project will also include interpretive signage to share information about the unique ecological features of the reserve and deepen public understanding of the land. “We are honoured to witness the return of the SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation to Salt Spring for the first time in generations, and we congratulate them on this significant undertaking and reaffirmation of enduring connection to the land, waters, culture, and community,” said Chair of Trust Council Laura Patrick. “We look forward to their continued stewardship and leadership in preserving and protecting these lands and waters for future generations.
An informational webpage about the project will be added to the SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation’s website and updated as work progresses over the summer. Community members and visitors are encouraged to follow the project there and submit questions through the page. HÍSW̱ ḴE to the Salt Spring community and all those who have supported this vision and helped make this meaningful next step possible.
Project Contact
For more information or questions you may have regarding this project, please complete the contact form on this page. You can also contact us below:
Project Lead:
Greg Diemer, CFO – SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation
Email: cfo@stautw.ca
