Land-Based Workshops

These hands-on workshops taking place on the second and third days of the Gathering provide opportunities for registered attendees to engage directly with local knowledge keepers to learn traditional methods for harvesting, processing, and preparing foods. Central to these workshops are the teachings of traditional laws and protocols, which emphasize stewardship, respect for the land, and sustainable practices.

Nursery & Wilderness Restoration

Facilitator: Siilh-na-mut - Ken Elliott and Colleen Elliott

Learn about the cultural and ecological importance of habitat restoration in both the nursery and wilderness settings. On the second day of the Gathering, participants will engage in hands-on learning at the Ts’uts’siimt Restoration Nursery, and transition to land-based restoration practices on the third day, discovering how food systems, riparian and watershed health are interconnected.

Traditional Fishing

Facilitators: Tyee, Qwiyahwultuhw Rob George, Harrold Joe

This two-part workshop explores traditional fishing tools and techniques. On the second day of the Gathering participants focus on crafting spears. On the third day, participants will travel to the Cowichan River and be mentored in the practice of spear fishing.

Combined Fish Smoking & Canning Workshops

Facilitators: Smoking—Mena Williams and Stuart Pagaduan; Canning—Brenda & Bruce Harris

This two-day workshop will accommodate two groups, alternating between two different workshops. One workshop has participants learning step-by-step how to preserve seafood by canning salmon. In the other workshop participants will learn safe knife handling practices and develop fish filleting skills, followed by traditional smoking practices to preserve the catch. Instructors will discuss the materials used in a smokehouse and share teachings about completing tasks from start to finish and the importance of letting nothing go to waste. Participants will also have the opportunity to observe and learn about the fish leather- a fibre once used as a waterproof material for all-weather garments, and today used in jewellery and textiles.

Pi’qwun (Salmon BBQ)

Facilitator: Jared Qwustenuxun Williams

Participants will learn about preparing a pi’qwun—from the materials harvested for both preparing the skewers and preparing the fire, to the integral role of traditional food production as a form of maintaining culture. As the salmon slowly smokes over the fire, participants can enjoy storytelling and learn about the cultural significance of salmon in our territories.

Clam Gardens

Facilitators: Nicole Norris, Ken Thomas, and Carl Olsen with support from Erich Kelch and Erin Slade from Parks Canada

Experience the rich intertidal knowledge of our ancestors and learn about traditional clam gardens—ancient food systems designed to enhance marine productivity. Participants will first travel by boat to a clam garden and learn about restoration work to date, the practices of caring for clam gardens, ethical harvesting protocols, and ancient knowledge associated with these mariculture systems. The following day, participants will spend time on site at Quw’utsun Cultural Conference Center learning about shellfish openings and closures, shellfish safety, and Indigenous rights to harvesting.

Wild Game Tracking & Processing

Facilitator: Emily Charlie

Participants will engage in processing hides and wild meat, including knife and butchering skills, and identifying different cuts of meat, while coming to understand the teaching to let nothing go to waste. The workshop includes walking with a hunter to learn about respectful harvesting practices and understanding the habits and behaviors of deer.

Ocean Seafood Harvest

Facilitators: Audra & Tim Kulchyski

Participants will take to the water to harvest sea urchins, crab, and other ocean foods. The following day, participants will learn about respectful marine harvesting practices, protocols, and preservation methods rooted in coastal teachings.

Plant Medicine Harvest & Preparation

Facilitator: Huyamise - Della Rice-Sylvester

Connect to the land through the teachings of plant medicine. Participants will learn how to identify, harvest, and respectfully process local medicines. On the following day, they’ll turn their harvests into teas, salves, or tinctures to support community wellness.

Camas Paddle Journey & Garry Oak Ecosystems

Facilitators: Stqeeye' Learning Society

This two-day journey begins with a paddle to Stqeeye’ Learning Society at Xwaaqw’um, where participants will learn about Camas cultivation and care. On the second day, the group will visit the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve to learn about restoration to date, and future plans for reintroducing traditional land stewardship practices.

Local Site Tours & Knowledge Exchange

Facilitators & Locations: Ye’yumnuts - Harold Joe, Malahat Nation Native Plant and Community Gardens, OUR Ecovillage Future Ancestors garden - Hinnahcit & Brandy Gallagher, Hulitun Spulhxun/Tumuhw - Dr. Jennifer Grenz & Indigenous Ecology Lab Students

Participants will visit community-based food and restoration projects. Tours will include place-based storytelling, land teachings, and knowledge exchange.