Indigenous led non-profit secures ancestral land on Salt Spring Island – Chemainus Valley Courier

January 7, 2025

Stqeeye’ Learning Society still seeking donations

Stqeeye’ (STAH-KAY-AH) Learning Society, which is led primarily by a board of primarily Quw’utsun (Cowichan) elders, have acquired property on Salt Spring Island on the land of their ancestors in Xwaaqu’um (Burgoyne Bay Valley).

In Hul’q’umi’num’, the language of the Quw’utsun peoples, Xwaaqw’um means female merganser duck place, specifically the red-breasted merganser which congregate there year-round. Located in the heart of Quw’utsun (Cowichan) territory, Xwaaqw’um lies across from Hwtl’upnets (Maple Bay) in Sansum Narrows, a stretch of ocean separating Vancouver Island’s eastern coast and Salt Spring Island.

“We are thrilled to announce that the land has been secured and is now the home of the Stqeeye’,” said co-manager Sulsameethl (Deb) George. “This will be a base for growing their important land restoration projects and their Youth on the Land programs.”

Read More: https://www.chemainusvalleycourier.ca/local-news/indigenous-led-non-profit-secures-ancestral-land-on-salt-spring-island-7719844