Territorial Acknowledgement

Islands Trust and Islands Trust Conservancy respectfully acknowledges that the lands and waters that encompass the Islands Trust Area have been home to Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. We are committed to reconciliation and to working together to preserve and protect this ecologically, culturally, and spiritually significant region in the Salish Sea. The Islands Trust Area is located within the treaty lands and territories of the BOḰEĆEN, Cowichan Tribes, K’ómoks, Lyackson, MÁLEXEȽ, Qualicum, scəẃaθən, səl̓ilwətaɬ, SEMYOME, shíshálh, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Snaw-naw-as, Snuneymuxw, Songhees, Spune’luxutth’, SȾÁUTW̱, Stz’uminus, ɬaʔəmen, Ts’uubaa-asatx, Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai, W̱JOȽEȽP, W̱SIḴEM, Xeláltxw, Xwémalhkwu, Xwsepsum, and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm First Nations.

Reconciliation Declarations

Islands Trust Reconciliation Declaration

Islands Trust Council acknowledges that the lands and waters that encompass the Islands Trust Area have been home to Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial and honours the rich history, stewardship, and cultural heritage that embody this place we all call home.

Islands Trust Council is committed to establishing and maintaining mutually respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. Islands Trust states a commitment to Reconciliation with the understanding that this commitment is a long-term relationship-building and healing process.

Islands Trust Council will strive to create opportunities for knowledge-sharing and understanding as people come together to preserve and protect the special nature of the islands within the Salish Sea.

(Adopted by Islands Trust Council on March 14, 2019, on Gabriola Island.)

Islands Trust Conservancy Reconciliation Declaration

The Islands Trust Conservancy acknowledges that the islands and waters that encompass the Salish Sea have been home to Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. We recognize that we are all intertwined in the ecosystems that are the lands, waters, culture, and ecology that embody this place.

The Islands Trust Conservancy will strive to create opportunities for knowledge-sharing, understanding and collaboration as people come together to preserve and protect the special nature of the islands within the Salish Sea.

The Islands Trust Conservancy is committed to the protection and preservation of this place through processes that respect and honour reconciliation and mutually respectful relationships with Coast Salish Indigenous Peoples. We express our recognition for the past, present, and future stewardship and knowledge that has been shared by Indigenous Peoples and are humbled and grateful.

(Ratified by the Islands Trust Conservancy Board on June 16, 2019, in the territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C.)

Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-2022

On June 19, 2019 in Coast Salish/Penelakut Territory, Galiano Island, Islands Trust Council unanimously passed the Islands Trust Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-2022.

To learn about progress to date read our 2019-2021 Reconciliation Report.

Information & Resources

• Discussion Paper – The Islands Trust Object: Past, Present, and Future – Mar 2021 – see “Truth Precedes Reconciliation” Section 1.1
• Islands Trust Council Policy 6.1.1: First Nations Engagement Principles
• Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR)
• Archaeology Branch of BC – Archaeological permits, and reports about archaeological finds
• First Nations Engagement and Consultation
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
• Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, BC (DRIPA)
• Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls (MMIWG) Calls for Justice
• First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC)
• FPCC Indigenous Languages and Culture