Blog Post co-written by Bobbi-Jo Basarab and Marina Cousins
Beading and Necklace making with locals by Marina Cousins
What a beautiful week it was as the Galiano community came together with local and neighbouring First Nations to celebrate Indigenous Week—a week rooted in culture, relationship-building, learning, and shared stewardship.After months of planning, Bobbi-Jo Basarab, guided by the Elders’ Advisory Group which includes Eva Wilson, Rosemary Georgeson, Connie Crocker, and Melody Silvey-Martin, helped bring Indigenous Week to life. We were also honoured by the presence of Amanda Crocker, a Hul’q’umi’num’ speaker and respected Knowledge Keeper, as the week began with Elders’ Day at Galiano Community School on June 18.
Elders’ Advisory group by Bobbi-Jo Basarab
The Elders were warmly welcomed as students and staff gathered to share a meal and listen to stories reflecting generations of knowledge, lived experience, and deep connections to place. After lunch, each Elder hosted an interactive learning station where students explored Indigenous culture, language, history, and stewardship.
Elders and Staff share a meal at the MLC
Rosemary Georgeson and Eva Wilson shared stories and historical photographs that brought the island’s history to life. Connie Crocker and Amanda Crocker introduced students to Indigenous art and the Hul’q’umi’num’ language, while Melody Silvey-Martin welcomed students to learn beading while sharing family stories and cultural teachings.
The day reflected Galiano Community School’s sincere commitment to building respectful relationships with Indigenous communities and ensuring Indigenous knowledge remains an important part of students’ learning experiences.The following day, members of the Elders’ Advisory Group joined staff at the Galiano Conservancy Association to continue sharing stories, strengthening relationships, and exploring our shared responsibility to care for the land and sea. The Conservancy is proud of the work taking place through its ongoing journey of reconciliation, recognizing that healing relationships with one another goes hand in hand with healing the lands and waters that sustain us.
Dancers in line by Marina Cousins
The week concluded with The Spirit of Us, a National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration held on June 21, 2026. The event brought together community members to honour Indigenous culture, celebrate relationships, and strengthen connections between people and place.
The celebration opened with a powerful welcome from the Smut’uqsun Sumneems Drum and Dance Group of the Snuneymuxw and Penelakut Nations. Their songs and dances invited everyone into a day of learning, sharing, and celebration while setting a meaningful tone for the gathering.
Watch a video of Traditional Drumming, captured by Marina Cousins
Throughout the day, Elders shared stories of their enduring connections to Galiano Island. Marguerite (Xwi’ xwyul’tunaat) James of Penelakut Nation reflected on growing up on the north end of Galiano Island and described returning to the school grounds as “coming home.” She shared memories of travelling by boat from Mayne Island to Galiano for school softball games, recalling how those experiences nurtured a lifelong sense of belonging and gratitude for the land. Augie (Thiy’he’Lum ) Sylvester spoke honestly about experiences of grief and resilience within his community. Eva Wilson shared her pride in her daughter’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to community, celebrating the positive impact she continues to make.
Esteemed Penelakut Elders enjoying the Indigenous Week celebrations
Throughout the afternoon, Marvin Wilson demonstrated traditional wood carving, while Melody Silvey-Martin showcased her intricate beadwork and spoke about the importance of Indigenous artistry, cultural knowledge, and passing traditions to future generations.
Marvin Wilson at his Carving Stand by Marina Cousins
A central theme woven throughout the celebration was stewardship of the land and sea. Connie Crocker spoke of the Kelp Rescue Initiative and the importance of restoring ecological balance throughout the Salish Sea. She highlighted the vital role that healthy coastal ecosystems, education, and community involvement play in protecting these environments for future generations.
The celebration was made possible through the vision and dedication of Bobbi-Jo Basarab and her leadership of the Galiano Conservancy Association‘s Restoring the Balance Project. Guided by the Elders’ Advisory Group, the event reflected Indigenous values, meaningful relationships, and a shared responsibility to care for the land.
The Restoring the Balance Project is dedicated to improving the health and resilience of Galiano Island’s forest ecosystems through community-led stewardship in partnership with local Indigenous rights holders.Through storytelling, traditional arts, music, delicious food, and shared experiences, The Spirit of Us created a welcoming space for people to listen, learn, connect, and reflect on their relationships with one another and with the natural world. The celebration served as a powerful reminder that reconciliation and ecological restoration are both built through respect, collaboration, and the understanding that caring for the land means caring for each other.
This remarkable week would not have been possible without the countless volunteers, businesses, organizations, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members who generously shared their time, talents, and hearts. Their collective efforts created meaningful experiences that will continue to inspire our community for years to come.A heartfelt thank you is also extended to the Real Estate Foundation of BC and Tour des Îles for their generous financial support, which helped make Indigenous Week and The Spirit of Us possible.
End of day gratitude and thanks by Marina Cousins
Indigenous Week reminded us that reconciliation is not a single event but an ongoing journey built through trust, shared experiences, and genuine relationships. Together, we continue learning from one another while strengthening our commitment to caring for both community and the natural world for generations to come.
