Shishálh Nation

08/15/2025

shíshálh Nation is saddened by the findings of an additional 41 unmarked graves identified by archaeologists, bringing the community total to 81.

In 2023, shíshálh Nation announced the first results of the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans within the areas in and around the former St. Augustine’s Residential School grounds.

“We are deeply saddened, but these numbers are not a surprise to us. We have always believed our Elders. This wasn’t a school, it wasn’t a choice, and the children who attended were stolen,” said Chief Lenora Joe. “We didn’t need the GPR to prove this happened; we always had enough proof to know.”

At this time, we are asking for space and privacy as we take care of our community.

Read our full news release on our website or the comments.

07/30/2025

IMPORTANT UPDATE
BC BULLETIN # 06

A large earthquake has occurred in the Pacific Basin near Kamchatka, Russia. The National Tsunami Warning Center has issued a cancellation for all watch, advisory and warning notices for coastal British Columbia that were issued for this event.

No zones of coastal British Columbia are at risk. Repeat, no zones of coastal British Columbia are at risk.

The Province will be standing down its operations centres.

This is the final bulletin that will be issued for this event.

🌊 TSUNAMI ADVISORY UPDATE – PLEASE READ
Notice to community members:
We want to update you on the Tsunami Advisory currently in effect for parts of British Columbia. Please be assured that **our area is located in Zone E, and at this time, the advisory does NOT apply to our zone.
That said, out of an abundance of caution, we are asking everyone to stay off the beaches and out of the water until more information becomes available and the advisory is lifted province-wide.
Staff are actively monitoring official updates from Emergency Management BC and will share any changes as they come in.
Thank you for your cooperation and care for one another.
Sending thoughts and prayers to our neighbouring Nations who may be impacted.
You can find more information in the link below.

Tsunami - A magnitude 8.8 earthquake has occurred 80 miles (136 km) SE of Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka, Russia. A Tsunami Advisory is in effect for B.C. Tsunami Notification Zones A, B, C and D. This includes Haida Gwaii, the north and central coast, and the northeast and outer west coast of Vancouver I...

07/17/2025

July 16, 2025 – chátlich (Sechelt), BC — shíshálh Nation is saddened by the death of the mayukw (grizzly bear) recently found on spilḵsen (Texada Island).

Over the past weeks, we had been in communication with the Province and other partners regarding potential relocation efforts that could have safely returned the bear to Xwémalhkwu (Homalco territory). Though the outcome is not what we had hoped for, we remain committed to respectful, coordinated approaches to human–wildlife interactions.

As stewards of these lands and waters, shíshálh Nation holds a deep responsibility to care for all beings that live here. This incident is a stark reminder of the need for early planning, open communication, and shared responsibility when wildlife moves through or settles in populated areas.

We will continue working alongside other First Nations, government agencies, and local communities to improve how these situations are handled, centering safety, respect for wildlife, and the shared values that connect us to the lands we call home.

ʔulnumshchalap

07/04/2025

Basket Returns Home to the shíshálh Nation

The tems swiya Museum is honoured to accept a wonderful contribution to our collection: a beautifully crafted basket, recently donated by Michelle Bruce.

This basket holds not only the intricate skill of shíshálh weaver, Mary Jane Jackson, but also a personal and cultural story. It was purchased in Gibsons in the late 1950s by Colleen Bruce, Michelle’s mother-in-law, from Mary Jane, a shíshálh matriarch known for her basketry. For decades, the basket was carefully stored in a cedar chest, preserved with care and respect by the Bruce family.

Now, more than 65 years later, it has returned home.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Michelle Bruce for this generous donation. Her decision to bring the basket back to the Nation ensures that the artistry and legacy of Mary Jane Jackson can be shared with community members, visitors, and future generations.

?ul nu msh chxw, Michelle and the Bruce family.

06/21/2025

ʔiy te kwiy kwiy (Good morning), as we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Today, we honour the rich culture and history of our shíshálh Nation and our beautiful swiya (birthplace, land, "territory"). From the stunning landscapes of ch'átlich (Sechelt) to the vibrant traditions and language of she shashishalhem, shíshálh people continue to inspire with resilience and wisdom.

We celebrate the teachings of our (s-)tl'éxtl'áx-mín (Elders) and the determination of our youth. We celebrate our s-yíyaya (families), our knowledge systems, and the work we do every day to uphold the laws and values of our shíshálh people. Every step we take, whether through ceremony, education, or community-building, is a continuation of the path our ancestors laid for us.

Let us come together in gratitude and respect for all Indigenous Peoples, acknowledging their connection to the land and the deep cultural heritage they share with us all.

ʔulnumshchalap (Thank you all)

06/18/2025

shíshálh Nation Acknowledges Historic Heritage Act Ruling, Reaffirms Commitment to Land, Justice, and Future Generations

shíshálh Nation acknowledges the recent ruling under the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA), which confirmed the unlawful disturbance of a sacred site, xwuxwkwiwan, within our swiya. Delivered in the heart of our swiya, this decision is a historic moment: the first ruling of its kind, and the first ever heard and hosted within our longhouse.

06/15/2025

Today, we honour and celebrate all the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and father figures who guide, protect, and nurture our families and community. Your strength, love, and teachings shape the generations to come.

?ulnumshchalap to all the dads! Thank you for all that you do.

Happy Father’s Day!

06/12/2025

The shíshálh Nation is deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved Elder and Knowledge Keeper, Sid Quinn, on June 5.

Sid dedicated over 40 years to protecting and caring for the swiya. He gave freely of his time and knowledge, always helping others and walking with the values of our ancestors.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 a.m. at the shíshálh Nation Hall. All are welcome to join in honouring his memory.

06/06/2025

Dear Nation members and Sunshine Coast community,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our treasured Elder and Knowledge Keeper, Sid Quinn.

Sid’s contributions to the shíshálh Nation over more than 40 years have left a lasting impact. His unwavering dedication to our community and the protection of the swiya was evident in all he did. We encourage everyone to take a moment today to reflect on Sid’s legacy and the many ways he guided and strengthened our path forward.

A song will be shared in his honour at 9:00 a.m. this morning at the Grieving Mother monument. All are welcome to attend as we come together in remembrance.

As a sign of respect for Sid and his lifelong service to the Nation, the office will be closed today.

May his memory continue to inspire us in our work and in our hearts.

With respect,
shíshálh Nation

05/27/2025

Calling all shíshálh Nation & Indigenous artists, vendors, crafts people and food sellers.
The shíshálh Nation Wellness Centre is requesting expressions of interest from shíshálh Nation and other indigenous artists and vendors, to hold a table at the National Indigenous Peoples Day Art & Craft Fair Event.

This could be food, retail items, art items, t-shirts etc.

Please ensure that your bid also includes the following:
• Your Name and Contact Details including email and phone number
• What you will be selling/showing?
• How many tables do you need?

Expressions of Interest Due: Friday May 30/2025

Please submit your expression of interest to Donna Tack Wellness Centre Manager

604-399-8734
dtack@shishalh.com

*Please note this is for Indigenous artists only, thank you!*

05/12/2025

The shíshálh Nation is requesting bids from Indigenous Artists to host workshops for National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Workshops would run Saturday June 21 and Sunday June 22, 2025. The types of workshops we are looking for are weaving, painting, beading etc. Any indigenous art/craft that can be easily taught to community members and the greater Sunshine Coast Community in a few hours. This could be workshops such as cedar roses, baskets, or small wool weaving projects to name a few.

Please ensure that your bid also includes the following:
· Your Name and Contact Details
· Workshop type/ details
· Cost
· Date/Time/Location of the Workshop.

Bids Due: Friday May 30/2025

Please note that only the bids being considered will be contacted after submission deadline.

Please submit your bids to Donna Tack
604-399-8734
dtack@shishalh.com

05/04/2025

The shíshálh Nation extends our deepest gratitude to all who joined us today for our MMIWG march and gathering.

Your presence, your voices, and your steps beside us carried deep meaning. Together, we walked in honour of our stolen sisters, the Indigenous women & girls, who have been taken from their families, communities, and Nations.

To see our community and allies stand in solidarity, to listen, to remember, to raise awareness, was powerful and healing.

Every drumbeat, every sign, every tear and word spoken today matters.

Let this be more than a moment. Let it be a movement.
No more silence. No more violence.
We will never stop calling for justice.