Open to: BCIA Registrants and their Guests

Join Victoria and Islands Branch and the PEPAKEṈ HÁUTW̱ Foundation for a hands-on learning experience at SṈIDȻEȽ (Tod Inlet), a culturally and ecologically significant site in the W̱SÁNEĆ homelands. Participants will take part in invasive species removal while learning from W̱SÁNEĆ-based restoration practitioners about the land’s history, significance, and the intersection of ecological stewardship and Indigenous knowledge.

SṈIDȻEȽ, meaning “Place of the Blue Grouse” in SENĆOŦEN, is the site of the first W̱SÁNEĆ village and a focal point for cultural revitalization and ecological restoration. This session is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of place-based restoration while engaging in meaningful work to support native ecosystems.

Hosted by the PEPAKEṈ HÁUTW̱ Foundation, a W̱SÁNEĆ-led non-profit operating from the PEPÁḴEṈ HÁUTW̱ Native Plant Nursery & Garden, this event is part of their ongoing restoration efforts across the region.

Important Information:

• No meals provided – please bring your own food and water.

• Registration is limited; participants must be able to fully commit to attending. If you can't attend let us know with as much notice as possible so that we can open your spot up to someone else.

• Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear. Work gloves are encouraged (some will be available on site).

• Physical activity includes pulling, kneeling, lifting, and using hand tools.

• There is no access to drinking water on site.

• Bags can be locked in the toolshed during the event.

• Please pack in and pack out your items.

Getting There:

• By car: Park at the Wallace Drive gate and walk 10–15 minutes down the marked trail.

• By bus: Take #75 or #81 to the stop outside Butchart Gardens and walk 5 minutes from the Benvenuto Ave gate.

• Meet at the PEPAKEṈ HÁUTW̱ toolshed beside the washrooms. Look for the “Restoration in Progress” sign.

Please Note:

• Registration is limited; participants must be able to fully commit to attending.

• Washrooms are not wheelchair accessible.

• We encourage participants to review these resources before the session: Learning on the Land and Protocols for Engagement

ATTENTION articling registrants!! The in-person event will be an excellent opportunity to network and meet with other branch registrants.

Please note that photographs and footage will be taken. These will be used by BCIA for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website, newsletters, and on social media. Should you not wish to have your photo taken and used for these purposes, please advise the photographer at the time.