Reconciliation & Stewardship
MÁLEXEŁ NationȾEX̱NÁLEṈ Initiative
Join Malahat Nation in a meaningful act of reconciliation by supporting stewardship, culture, and self-determination within Malahat’s traditional territory.
Our Lands, Our Stories
Malahat Nation is part of the W̱SÁNEĆ people, with deep roots along the lands and waters of southern Vancouver Island. Our traditional territory stretches from what is now called Victoria up past Mill Bay, reaching westward beyond Shawnigan Lake, and north along the W̱SÁNEĆ Peninsula into the Gulf Islands.
Malahat reserves rest along the inlet, beneath YOS (the mountain also known as the Malahat), one of our most sacred places. Malahat Nation stands proud on the hwulmuhw mustimuhw tumuhw (ancestral land of Malahat people), guided by the wisdom of s’ul’eluhws (elders) and inspired by the energy of stl’ul’iqulh (children).
The Initiative
A Pathway for Reciprocity
The Malahat ȾEX̱NÁLEṈ Initiative is an innovative program that invites local businesses, individuals, and the wider community to engage in meaningful reconciliation and stewardship within Malahat’s traditional territory. This framework provides an avenue through which monetary contributions may be made to Malahat Nation to acknowledge and reciprocate the ways in which individuals, businesses, and other organizations benefit from the use and enjoyment of Malahat Nation’s Traditional Territory.
By participating, user groups can make a tangible donation towards the governance of Malahat lands and the strengthening of Malahat culture, health, and resilience for future generations.
This initiative aligns with our Comprehensive Community Plan, Land Use Plan, and Environmental Management Plan.
Steps to Become an Ally
- 1Review the introductory materials prepared by Malahat Nation regarding the Program.
- 2Meet with Malahat Nation to discuss the Program and what becoming an Ally will entail.
- 3Complete an application to become a Business or Community Ally and submit it to the Department of Lands and Environment.
- 4Start contributing to the program either with a one-time donation or an on-going agreement.
Two types of Allies are recognized under the ȾEX̱NÁLEṈ Initiative:
Community Ally
Community Allies are individuals, businesses, and other organizations who make one-time monetary contributions to Malahat Nation in support of the ȾEX̱NÁLEṈ Initiative.
Business Ally
Business Allies contribute a portion of their annual profits or gross sales, or charge a fee on some or all transactions that is then passed onto Malahat Nation’s ȾEX̱NÁLEṈ Initiative.
Paving The Path Ahead
Our snuwuyulh
These snuwuyulh (ancestral teachings) are the guiding principles that have shaped the ȾEX̱NÁLEṈ initiative and reflect how we care for land, water, and one another across Malahat’s traditional territory.
le'lumut tthun' suli'
hul'q'umi'num'
We raise our hands to Andre Goldsmith for the artwork and Sharon Seymour for the voice recording.
Your Support At Work
Initiatives This Program Supports
ȾEX̱NÁLEṈ contributions advance stewardship and self-determination across Malahat Nation’s territory.
Lands & Marine Guardian Support
Support for Malahat guardians who care for and monitor lands and waters within the Nation’s traditional territory.
1 of 4 initiatives
Express Your Interest
Interested in becoming a ȾEX̱NÁLEṈ ally? Let us know and we'll be in touch with more details.
Prefer to reach out directly? Contact us at lands@malahatnation.com
Malahat Nation • 110 Thunder Road, Mill Bay, BC V8H 1B8 • Tel: 250 743-3231
huy ch q'u
We raise our hands in thanks to you