A swath of wetland on the Saanich Peninsula returns to its roots and emerges from farm use as the WSANEC community celebrates the transfer of 45.7 acres at TIKEL (Maber Flats) to the WSANEC Lands Trust Society.
“The return of TIKEL is cause of a big celebration for our people. The WLTS intends to work with WSANEC people and community groups, across all band affiliations, on the restoration and management of this land in perpetuity. This transfer is a historic event – one of many to come – benefiting all WSANEC community members,” said Tsartlip Chief Don Tom, who chairs the land trust.
Culturally and ecologically significant, TIKEL was originally an abundant wetland network used, cultivated and managed by WSANEC Peoples as a place to collect food, medicines and other materials central their culture, economies and identity, according to the council. Of specific importance is SX ELE ILC, or pacific willow, harvested at the site to make reef nets.
The Berglund family (through Brentwood Developments Ltd.) and the WSANEC Leadership Council announced the transfer Aug. 3, calling it the first donation of land in Canada under the Ecological Gifts Program made to an Indigenous organization.
The council society is a legal governing body comprised of two WSANEC nations – Tsartlip and Tseycum – that aims to promote the interests of WSANEC First Nations by enhancing recognition of local Douglas Treaty and Aboriginal rights and title.
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The Berglund family has owned the farm-zoned land since 1989, primarily leasing to nearby farmers. While the area is largely converted to farmland, it still provides some habitat for more than 175 migratory bird species. For the last few years, Brentwood Developments Ltd. has allowed it to retain some water seasonally.
The family cites development and a lack of municipal infrastructure to handle stormwater inundation with significant change in the usability of the land. Unable to achieve a balance between ecological, farming and access concerns, the family approached the Habitat Acquisition Trust about options for the property. Options presented through the trust made the decision to work with the leadership council.
“The more we learned about WSANEC history and stewardship, the more returning this property to their care made sense,” Brentwood Developments vice-president Brian Berglund said. “And for this to be the first donation of its kind in Canada, it’s extremely exciting for us. We look forward to seeing WSANEC restore and reconnect with this site and hope that our donation inspires other landowners to follow suit.”
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Following the transfer, WSANEC intends to restore the property and return the peat bog at the site to capacity. Restoration would also provide WSANEC with places to re-establish traditional harvesting practises, build connections to culture, exercise their rights and title, and promote conservation through education.
Fully restoring the wetlands will provide valuable habitat for native plants and migratory birds, while also cushioning the impact of agricultural and commercial run-off on downstream watercourses and the Saanich Inlet. The flats are also key to stormwater attenuation in the area, reducing flood damage.
The WSANEC Lands Trust Society provides a place for land to be returned to the WSANEC people with the main goal of helping future generations access land for cultural purposes and to positively impact the environment. WLTS will also seek land back for collaborative projects such as community housing and economic development initiatives. Learn more or donate to help facilitate land transfer and restoration online at supportlandback.com.
The nation plans to hold a WSANEC community ceremony and celebration on Aug. 18.