The Saanich people ( ) are a Central Coast Salish people indigenous to parts of British Columbia and western Washington state.
The WñSÃÂNEàpeoples are represented by the Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tseycum and Malahat First Nations. The WñSÃÂNEàLeadership Council Society consists of three of these nations: Tsartlip, Tseycum and Tsawout. These WñSÃÂNEàFirst Nations remain on their ancestral lands.
On May 7, 2018, the Leadership Council was created as a representation of the First Nations to the Government. The creation of this council not only brought three Indigenous groups together, but it also established a legal governing body. With this council, came many proposals and projects to benefit the First Nations.
Includes:
The language or Saanich dialect is called . This dialect was revitalized by the late John Elliot, an important member of the community and peoples.
Four of the Saanich First Nations, Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tseycum and Tsawout, created the Tribal School in 1989. It holds classes from preschool to grade 10, with classes for adults in the adult centre next door to the high school where , the language, and culture are taught along with the provincial curriculum. The school is also a venue for community events.