W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip First Nation) and W̱SÍḴEM (Tseycum First Nation) has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the municipality of Central Saanich. The MOU was signed July 10, 2026; the Nations also signed an MOU with the Town of Sidney at the same signing ceremony.
The agreements establish formal government-to-government relationships with a shared commitment to reconciliation, collaborative stewardship, and cultural respect, recognizing that the District of Central Saanich and the Town of Sidney are located within W̱SÁNEĆ territory, where the W̱SÁNEĆ people have stewarded the lands and waters since time immemorial.
“As W̱SÁNEĆ People, we care deeply about this place. We are committed to building positive, respectful relationships with our neighbours here. These MOUs establish a table and a process for us to collaborate with the municipalities of Central Saanich and Sidney. This is how effective governments can work together. We know that there is much that we can accomplish by collaborating with one another,” said Chief Curtis Olsen, Tsartlip First Nation.
“The signing of these agreements is an important step in advancing reconciliation and our government-to-government relationship. By working together, there is much that we can accomplish for all of us,” said Chief Tanya Jimmy, Tseycum First Nation.
“This MOU represents an important step forward in building a respectful and enduring relationship with our W̱SÁNEĆ partners,” said Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor. “It reflects our commitment to listening, learning and working together on issues that matter to our communities.”
“Entering into this MOU marks the beginning of a formal government-to-government relationship between the Town of Sidney and Tsartlip and Tseycum Nations, providing a framework for greater collaboration between our communities,” said Sidney Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith.
The MOUs set out how W̱JOȽEȽP, W̱SIḴEM and the municipalities will work together on shared priorities, such as protecting the environment, supporting local jobs, learning about culture, preparing for emergencies, creating space for artwork, and caring for ancestral sites.
Under the agreement, regular government-to-government meetings will oversee the implementation of annual workplans and the advancement of shared priorities. The relationship will be grounded in principles of ÁTOL (respect), ĆȺINEUEL (working together) and HIWESTEL (partnership) The MOUs align with Central Saanich and Sidney’s commitments to reconciliation, as reflected in their Official Community Plans, as well as guiding frameworks such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
The MOUs will be reviewed every two years to ensure the agreements continue to meet the needs of all parties and reflect evolving priorities.
Both the District of Central Saanich and the Town of Sidney remain committed to strengthening relationships with all W̱SÁNEĆ Nations, including those that have not established MOUs with the municipalities.