The Stqeeye’ Learning Society supports self-determination, relationship building, and reconciliation through traditional ecological restoration and land-based education programs.
mi tse ‘ t’akw
coming home
A once-in-a-generation campaign, a chance to bring our Quw’utsun (Cowichan) Elders back to live in our traditional territory in Xwaaqw’um (Burgoyne Bay) for the first time in 150 years.
Stqeeye’ (pronounced STAH-KAY-AH) is an Indigenous-led non-profit organization based on Salt Spring Island, BC in the traditional territory of the Quw’utsun Peoples.
Xwaaqw’um is our traditional village site and a significant spiritual site. It is also known as Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park.
Our projects
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P’hwulhp (Garry Oak) Restoration
A native food garden that is creating a safe, accessible space for Indigenous and non-indigenous folks
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Youth on the Land
Working with Indigenous youth to bring stories, skills and traditional knowledge to life.
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Wetland restoration
Transforming parts Xwaaqw’um into one of the most wetland, stream and riparian habitats.
Recent news
Our vision
Stqeeye’ Learning Society is committed to preserving the land and water at the Xwaaqw’um by strengthening our Quw’utsun relationships. This is accomplished by Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Youth working in collaboration with all our staff and partners to develop programs for future generations. We wish for our Youth and Elders to be proud, to value one another for who they are, and to serve as educators, land stewards and advocates for Xwaaqw’um.
Cultural use of the land and sea at Xwaaqw’um continues
Prior to contact, the Indigenous People of Xwaaqw’um lived in reciprocal relationship with the land, harvested from the abundant natural food systems, and tending the land and waters with great care. Families passed down the responsibility to tend to these important areas to their children, and the members of Stqeeye’ Learning Society are direct descendants of the last Indigenous Stewards of the land. Due to this direct connection to this place, Stqeeye’ Land Stewards and Knowledge Keepers are intimately connected to the land and ecosystems at Xwaaqw’um. We share our responsibilities to the land, sea and each other in this spot, as we always have.
