The Gabriola Island Memorial Society acknowledges with respect the people of the Snuneymuxw First Nation on whose traditional unceded territory we live and work. We understand their ancestors have walked this land since time immemorial and we offer our gratitude for their stewardship of this beautiful land and its resources which we all enjoy today.

We are deeply moved as we witness today the Snuneymuxw people living and teaching their cultural and spiritual values; we know that for almost 100 years the Government of Canada made it illegal for indigenous people to practice their language, culture and ceremonies. We are committed to listening to, and standing with, the Snuneymuxw Nation and all indigenous people as we work together for social change and healing.

The Gabriola Island Memorial Society believes our work shares many of the the same values of those of the Snuneymuxw Nation, of caring for and protecting the land and working in community to promote healing and the awareness of the sacredness of this land and all life. We are committed to doing what we can and working with the Snuneymuxw people to promote earth-friendly land use and preserve the environment beyond our lifetime.

To the Snuneymuxw people we raise our hands and say Huy ch q’u.