Local First Nations, local and provincial governments and the Nature Conservancy of Canada are celebrating the resolution of Grace Islet today at a ceremony at the Tseycum First Nation long house.

Chiefs, councillors and elders from the Tseycum, Tsawout, Tsartlip, Cowichan, Pauquachin, Lyackson, Stz’uminus, Penelakut and Halalt First Nations are hosting the traditional ceremony. Representatives from the Capital Regional District, Islands Trust, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations are also in attendance.

The future of Grace Islet became an issue of public concern when the previous owner began constructing a house on the small islet, which contains at least 16 burial cairns. With the support of local First Nations, the Province and the Nature Conservancy of Canada negotiated a settlement with the owner that would allow the islet to be returned to its natural state.

Today’s ceremony is to celebrate the partnership that secured the cultural and ecological protection of Grace Islet. 

The Capital Regional District has agreed to provide support to deconstruct the house on Grace Islet, and the Islands Trust is contributing funding and in-kind support to facilitate protection, understanding and appreciation of Grace Islet’s significance.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada acquired title to the property in February, and is working with the local First Nations, the Province and local government agencies on a remediation plan and long-term conservation plan.

The first step in recovering Grace Islet is to carefully remove the half-built house on the property. Once the islet is free of the building, proper restoration of the vegetation and burial cairns can proceed.

Quotes:

Chief Vern Jacks, Tseycum First Nation -

“It is with great honour today WSIKEM (Tseycum) hosts a gathering in recognition of the collaborative work by many who are part of laying our ancestors to “rest in peace” once and for all. The disturbance of our ancestors requires work at many levels, at Grace Islet, in our communities, within our leaderships and with our neighbors to name a few; the provincial government, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the residents of Saltspring Island. The work today is of great cultural significance and will bring peace to our ancestors and our communities.”

John Lounds, president and CEO, Nature Conservancy of Canada -

“We’re honoured to be involved in the protection of Grace Islet. Working closely with local First Nations and other partners, NCC will work to restore the ecological and cultural integrity of this special place.”

Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson -

“The solution we found for Grace Islet could not have happened without the participation of the First Nations, the Nature Conservancy of Canada and local governments. I appreciate the team approach of all those involved.”

Learn More:

Nature Conservancy of Canada, BC Region: www.natureconservancy.ca/bc

Media Contacts:

Chief Vern Jacks
Tseycum First Nation
250 882-0825

Lesley Neilson
Communications Manager
Nature Conservancy of Canada
250 661-2969

Vivian Thomas
Communications Director
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-2475