In June, NIȽ TU,O Child and Family Services was honoured to take part in the 2025 First Nations National Guardians Gathering. We joined around 350 participants at the Victoria Conference Centre to celebrate the growth and success of the National Guardians Network.

Hosted by the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, the event welcomed roughly 275 Guardians from more than 130 different programs, including newly established programs participating for the first time. This reminded us that the movement is growing. It was a powerful and inspiring sight to witness.

NIȽ TU,O staff, youth from the communities we serve, and an Elder had the opportunity to come together on the water for a meaningful paddling experience. Six staff, six youth, an Elder, and a skipper paddled in two canoes: SW̱EW̱OET (Thunder) in blue and white and XENEḴT E TŦE SW̱EW̱OET (Lightning) in red, black, and white. With the guidance of our skipper, Len Henry Sr., we made our way through the Inner Harbour.

Our land and paddle crews for Tribal Journeys 2025 were both present, making the event an ideal opportunity to practice our skills and strengthen our coordination as we approach Tribal Journeys. One of our staff practiced protocol, asking in SENĆOŦEN to come ashore. 

This was NIȽ TU,O’s first paddling event with our new canoes – a strong beginning to the season. Our team worked together with focus and care, and our canoes carried us with strength and beauty. 

NIȽ TU,O is grateful to the Indigenous Leadership Initiative for organizing this gathering. It gave us the chance to connect, prepare for Tribal Journeys, and deepen our understanding of Guardianship of the land and water. We look forward to seeing this movement continue to grow.

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