Shishálh Nation

08/28/2026

shíshálh Nation extends our deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, friends, and community of MLA Joan Phillip, Amshen, following her passing at the age of 74.

Joan was a fearless warrior, inspirational leader, and tireless advocate for Indigenous peoples and communities. Her commitment to advancing the rights, well-being, and voices of Indigenous peoples leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Joan’s children, grandchildren, family, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and walking alongside her. We hold you close in our thoughts during this difficult time.

May Joan’s spirit be carried forward through the many lives she touched, the work she championed, and the generations who will continue to benefit from her leadership.

From shíshálh Nation, we send our love, strength, and deepest sympathies to Joan’s family and loved ones.

08/22/2026

shíshálh Nation is saddened by yesterday's announcement regarding the closure of the Howe Sound pulp mill and Bayview Fibre facility in Port Mellon.

For generations, the mill has been an important part of the Sunshine Coast economy and community. The closure will have significant impacts on workers and their families, as well as local businesses and communities throughout the region.

Our thoughts are with the employees and families who are facing uncertainty following this announcement. We recognize the many years of work and contribution that employees have given to the mill and to the broader Sunshine Coast community.

As a neighbouring Nation and community on the Sunshine Coast, shíshálh Nation recognizes that the effects of major economic changes are felt throughout the region. This announcement represents a significant loss for the local economy and will affect many people beyond those directly employed at the facilities.

We hope that workers and families affected by the closure receive meaningful support during this transition. We also recognize the importance of collaboration among First Nations, local governments, businesses and community organizations as the region considers its economic future.

shíshálh Nation extends our support to the workers, families and communities affected by yesterday’s announcement.

08/05/2026

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07/25/2026

Beginning tomorrow (Saturday, July 25), the tems swiya Museum will be open:

Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

tems swiya, meaning “Our World” in she shashishalhem, is a place where shíshálh culture, teachings, and knowledge are shared and carried forward. Within these walls are the voices of our ancestors, the memories of our lands and waters, and the teachings that continue to guide our people today.

We invite you to come learn about shíshálh culture, history, and our deep connection to our swiya. Listen, learn, and connect with the stories, teachings, and knowledge that have been passed down through generations and continue to live on today.

07/20/2026

shíshálh Nation was honoured to welcome the Xwémalhkwu (Homalco), ɬəʔamɛn (Tla’amin), and ƛoʔos (Klahoose) Nations to our shíshálh swiya as part of Tribal Journeys 2026.

The arrival was marked by songs, drumming, and cultural protocol, honouring the canoe families, the journey, and the relationships that connect our Nations. Following the waterfront welcome, guests and community members gathered at the shíshálh Nation Hall for a shared feast, cultural performances, and protocol.

Tribal Journeys is a powerful expression of culture, connection, and the continuation of traditions carried by canoe families for generations. This gathering provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships between our Nations, share teachings, and celebrate the ties that unite our communities.

shíshálh Nation extends our gratitude to the Xwémalhkwu (Homalco), ɬəʔamɛn (Tla’amin), and ƛoʔos (Klahoose) Nations for sharing this meaningful journey and evening with us. We wish all paddlers, canoe families, and support crews safe travels as they continue their journey.

07/14/2026

MISSING YOUTH – PLEASE SHARE

The Oak Bay Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Jahmai (“Nathan”), who was last seen in Oak Bay at approximately 6:45 p.m. on July 10, 2026.

Description:
• 5’8”
• Dreadlocks
• Last seen wearing all black clothing, possibly a black hoodie with the hood up, and black runners with grey trim.
• May be travelling by bus, Uber, or taxi and may be in the Sooke or Langford areas.

Police and family are concerned for Jahmai’s wellbeing.

If you have any information about his whereabouts, please contact the Oak Bay Police Department at 250-592-2424.

Please share to help bring Jahmai home safely.

The Oak Bay Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Jahmai (Nathan), who was reported missing after last being seen in Oak Bay at approximately 6:45 p.m. on July 10, 2026. Jahmai is described as 5’8” with dreadlocks and was last seen wearing all black cloth...

06/21/2026

?iy te kwayel te ?ewk’ mes s-yiyaya (Good day friends and family), as we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.

On June 21st, 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 also recognize the many ways our culture is shared and celebrated within our community, including gatherings such as s-yíyaya Days in ch’átlich (Sechelt), which bring people together in the spirit of culture, language, and connection.

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)
hiwus, hihewhiwus shíshálh Nation (Chief and Council, shíshálh Nation)

06/20/2026

Introducing our newly sworn-in híwus kwa’saʔlahuet (Chief Warren Paull) and híhewhíwus (Councillors): xwaʔ (Philip Paul), lh’ayaxwemat (Selina August), chusep (Jamel Paul), and tsesote (Benny Pierre Jr.).

06/19/2026

Learn about our canoe races from Alfonso Salinas, a proud shíshálh Nation canoe puller.

Join us on June 21 at 11:00 AM as we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with canoe races on the waterfront. We will gather at the totem poles before racing to the Friendship Park Pier.

The races will feature two heats with two canoes competing in each heat, followed by a final race between the winning crews.

Come support the pullers, connect with community, and celebrate the traditions that continue to bring us together on the water.

We hope to see you there.