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Tsawwassen First Nation Celebrates sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł – the Great Blue Heron Way Video Release

Tsawwassen First Nation Celebrates sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł – the Great Blue Heron Way Video Release

Tsawwassen, BC — On May 3, 2025, a vibrant celebration was held to honour the completion of the video “sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł – the Great Blue Heron Way – A Trail Reconnecting First Nations Communities”. The event brought together Elder xʷasteniya, Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) Chief Laura Cassidy, TFN Executive Council member Valerie Cross, TFN members, esteemed Elders, video director Sage Flett Kruger, Trails BC staff and Great Blue Heron Way Volunteer Committee to witness the inspiring video produced by Devon Head of Shot by Devon. This video, a pivotal milestone in the Great Blue Heron Way initiative, was made possible through funding from Grand Challenges Canada in partnership with the Government of Canada.

The newly released video serves as a vital tool in the development of the Great Blue Heron Way, showcasing the project’s significance as a cultural pathway that reconnects and celebrates First Nations heritage. The video aims to increase outreach and communicate the meaning of the Great Blue Heron Way, welcoming all who live and travel in the traditional territories of the Tsawwassen Nation, and seeks to develop partnerships with other First Nations in all four directions from the host Nation.

Over the past three years, TFN and Trails BC have worked collaboratively to bring Elder xʷasteniya ‘s vision to life, nurturing a growing relationship grounded in mutual respect, cooperation, and community empowerment. This celebration represents not only the completion of the video project but also the strengthening of partnerships between TFN and Trails BC.

“It’s so inspiring to see the film and the background of it all” said Laura Cassidy, Chief of the Tsawwassen First Nation, “You’ve brought in the youth, you’ve drawn in all of the community. It is the Trails that connect all of us First Nations together. The film inspired, I love how all of you have worked on this together.”

Jesseca Adams and her sister Constance Adams provided cultural support for the event, and Jesseca shared a heartfelt story about her sister sharing with an urban indigenous paddler she had met. She reflected, “The essence of the Great Blue Heron Way, the connection this is going to bring. Not just nation-to-nation reconciliation, but reconciliation between all of our neighboring communities. It’s such a beautiful thing that this one story is going to be the story of many, thanks to the sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł – the Great Blue Heron Way. ”

“This is my gift to the Tsawwassen First Nation,” said xʷasteniya, Great Blue Heron Way Visionary. “The Great Blue Heron Way is Our Way of Life, and every Nation that we’re going to go to, they will show us their Way of Life. I want you all to know all the friends that I’ve gathered into my hands who have done all this work.”

“Something that struck my heart was that Elder Ruth was doing something that our ancestors know,” said Trails BC employee Sage Flett Kruger. “BC Assembly of First Nations staff asked if we had a video, and I thought, Elder xʷasteniya needs that, and it’s been a beautiful journey making it.”
This celebration is a testament to the power of collaboration and community, The Great Blue Heron Way is more than just a trail; it is a connection to culture, history, and the future. We are excited to share this journey with everyone.

The event featured remarks from community leaders, the Great Blue Heron Way Volunteer Committee, and a heartfelt presentation from xʷasteniya, Jesseca Adams, Constance Adams and Sage Flett Kruger, who inspired attendees with their dedication to capturing the essence of the Great Blue Heron Way through their film. The screening marked a joyous moment in the initiative, highlighting the stories and cultural significance that will resonate with all who experience the trail.

The Great Blue Heron Way is envisioned as a network of trails that not only promotes healthy, green mobility and recreational opportunities but also serves as a bridge between communities. It invites everyone to explore and appreciate the rich cultural landscape of the traditional territories of the Tsawwassen people.

The May 3 celebration symbolized a shared commitment to cultural revitalization and environmental stewardship and was a poignant reminder of the role collaboration plays in creating pathways for future generations.

hay čxʷ q̓ə (thank you) to the Real Estate Foundation of BC for their sponsorship of the celebration and their support of the Indigenous Women and Youth Leadership in Access to the Land and Trails initiative which includes the Great Blue Heron Way.

For more information about the Great Blue Heron Way initiative and upcoming events, please contact us through our online form, available here.

Photo below by Adrain Williams

sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł Summer Youth Lead

sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł Summer Youth Lead

The Trails Society of British Columbia (Trails BC) is seeking a sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł Summer Youth Lead. This position leds the delivery of the Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł component of the Tsawwassen First Nation Summer Youth Program during July and August. 

This will involve leading cycling and walking land-based educational tours with Elders and Knowledge; arranging speakers to engage the youth on Indigenous and trails topics; and leading the youth on a project that includes signage, amenities and or art along  Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł. The Lead will also engage the youth career development planning opportunities related to trails. 

Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł is a proposed network of trails connecting First Nations and other communities in Metro Vancouver that are accessible via transit. Development of the vision for sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł is led by Tsawwassen First Nation Elder xʷasteniya working with the Trails BC personnel, TFN staff and Great Blue Heron Way Committee. Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł will help provide healthy and green basic mobility, recreational and tourism opportunities for people and communities. 

The Lead will work closely with Elder xʷasteniya, Trails BC staff & volunteers and Tsawwassen First Nation Youth Centre staff.

Activities

  • Coordinating a project such as art, a bench or signage to be installed on or near Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł
  • Coordinating land based educational cycling and walking tours along Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł with the youth and Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers
  • Coordinating speakers presenting to the youth on Indigenous and trails related topics
  • Informing youth on related career and educational opportunities
  • Engaging youth on ideas they have for Sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł and barriers they face accessing trails and their land

Terms

  • Salary: $27 to $30 per hour
  • 30 to 35 hours per week
  • Applicants should be 30 years old or younger as a portion of this position is funded through a youth employment grant per week
  • Position starts mid June and ends on August 28
  • Interviewing starts May 7. Position will remain open until filled.

Requirements

  • Live within or near Metro Vancouver preferably in or close to Tsawwassen
  • Must have a computer/laptop and a cellphone
  • A drivers licence

Skills and Experience

If you have passion for Indigenous culture, the land and trails, please consider applying for this position even if you don’t have all of the experience below.  We are committed to working with the Coordinator to provide training and mentorship in areas that will assist in ensuring success in this position and will support personal and professional development goals.

  1. Knowledge of First Nations’ culture, art and traditions
  2. Experience instructing or supervising youth 13 through 19 years old
  3. Experience in leading walking and cycling tours
  4. A strong commitment to reconciliation, equity and inclusion
  5. A strong commitment to gender equality
  6. Project leadership and management experience
  7. Self-motivated with proven listening, writing and communications skills
  8. Experience will Google Drive and Google Docs
  9. Some knowledge of local Indigenous languages an asset
  10. Knowledge of the land, trails, greenways and other active transportation and recreation routes in Metro Vancouver an asset
  11. Knowledge of active transportation, recreation, trails, urban planning, transit & road safety an asset

How to Apply

Email your resume and cover letter to Melissa Demkiw, sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł Program Manager at meldemkiw@trailsbc.ca with the subject “sməq̓ʷaʔ xeł Summer Youth Lead”.

Call for Directors

Call for Directors

The Trails Society of BC (Trails BC) is seeking volunteers to serve on our Board of Directors. If you have passion for the land and trails and have a commitment to reconciliation, diversity and inclusion, we would appreciate your help and perspective! Experience in any role in the trails and outdoor recreation related sectors would be an asset but not essential.

Please consider applying for this position even if you don’t have the experience below. You can assist us by providing your insight in Trails BC matters!

  • Strategic planning
  • Fundraising
  • Indigenous rights and title
  • Communications and social media
  • Legal background
  • Previous non-profit experience and governance
  • Website design
  • Mentorship and career development

We currently have 4 staff. Experience on the board or as executive director of a charity with 4 or more staff would be most helpful.

Requirements
You must be at least 14 years old and be a member of Trails BC either an individual or group member. Renew your membership or become a member at: https://trailsbc.ca/about-us/become-member/

Time Requirements
Board meetings are held virtually. Expect 6 board meetings per year although the new board will make the final decision.
Around 4 hours per month is required for basic board work including meetings, emails and communications.
Additional time may be required for work related to your areas of interest. We will be updating our strategic plan over the next year so there will be some additional time related to that.

Apply
Please fill out the application form before May 1, 2025 if you are interested or if you would like to offer your volunteer time in other ways.

Thanks for your consideration!

About Trails BC
The Trails Society of British Columbia is a non-profit organization that focuses on equity within the context of trails and active transportation throughout the province. As a provincial non-profit, we work with First Nations, stakeholders, municipal governments, and the provincial government to inform policy changes directed towards reconciliation, equity and inclusion regarding trails and active transportation.

A key objective is more funding and policy improvements to build, maintain and repair greenway trails connecting communities and First Nations throughout BC.

In 2020, Trails BC researchers published the Greenways for All Research which looks at the inequity in active transportation in rural British Columbia. Through this, Trails BC has established recommendations to push for equitable practices in regards to active transportation infrastructure and policies. We know that the trail and outdoor recreation space has been dominated by tourist ventures and small businesses that are representative of settler-folk. As an organization, we have actively been working to address this ongoing issue indicative of the continued act of colonization. This project comes out of this work and is a component of Trails BC’s goals in regards to reconciliation and equity in the outdoors.

The goal of the Indigenous Women and Youth Leadership in Access to the Land and Trails initiative is to change the dominant narrative regarding the decision-makers over trails, active transportation and outdoor recreation. Most decisions pertaining to trails and outdoor recreation are conducted by predominantly well-off male settlers. Even those working for First Nations in these areas are often not Indigenous. This lack of Indigenous professionals leads to a lot of ongoing land-use issues pertaining to trails. We will help increase inclusivity and equity in this sector by helping to bring in Indigenous women and youth to this conversation in leadership roles.

We are refining and helping put into practice the policies and recommendations of our Greenways for All project through further engagement with Indigenous peoples facilitated by initiatives led by Indigenous women in three regions: the Okanagan, the Lower Mainland, and along Highway 16. Through these initiatives we will provide Indigenous youth with jobs, engage the youth and others in the community on barriers to access to the land through trails, and develop policy and program recommendations to address these barriers.

In the Okanagan, the Tmixʷ Trails initiative led by Sage Kruger provides an interactive learning opportunity for Okanagan moms and youth to engage with Elders and community members from the Syilx Nation.

In Metro Vancouver, Tsawwassen First Nation Elder Xwasteniya is leading the development of the First Nations vision and route prioritization for sməq̓ʷaʔxeł, the Great Blue Heron Way, working with the Indigenous youth we will hire to engage First Nations youth, elders and community members.