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The History of Tribal Journeys: Restoring Connection and Culture for 37 Years
SC’IȺNEW̱ Nation Culture
Discover the vibrant traditions and rich heritage of SC’IȺNEW̱ Nation. From storytelling to cultural events, experience our community’s essence.
SC’IȺNEW̱ Nation
The SC’IȺNEW̱ Nation is located 30kms southwest of Victoria BC. The word “SC’IȺNEW̱” (pronounced CHEA-nuh) translates from the KLALLAM language as “the place of the big fish”, indicating the richness of the sea life in the region that sustains the SC’IȺNEW̱ Nation and neighboring First Nation communities with food, shelter, medicine, and clothing.
Part of SC’IȺNEW̱ Nation traces their ancestry to people who spoke four different dialects. The community recognizes all four languages although they are not all currently spoken. As with other First Nation names in the region, the place name “SC’IȺNEW̱” identifies what the inhabitants needed to know about the locale.
SC’IȺNEW̱ lands also include Fraser Island, Lamb Island, Long-neck Island, Twin Island, Village Island, and Whale Island. Today, the SC’IȺNEW̱ community continues to apply their long knowledge of environmental management in sharing their land and marine resources.
SC’IȺNEW First Nation is a party to the Douglas Treaties and is negotiating a modern treaty as a member of the Te’mexw treaty nations through the BC treaty process.
SC’IȺNEW̱ First Nation is governed by a Chief and two Councilors and also incorporates traditional leadership components including Elders and the Hereditary Chief. Elections were held every two years in October on odd-numbered years but recently changed to every four years in 2019.
