Meetings, events and gatherings across the province generally include a land acknowledgement these days, usually a voiced gratitude and raised hands – in thanks for the land’s home First Nation – most frequently named by name.
But the average resident doesn’t have the option of such a public acknowledgement, an opportunity to show gratitude.
The Reciprocity Trusts Society, fully formed and launched in 2023, works with Indigenous Nations on the South Island to support meaningful recognition of Indigenous lands and communities through voluntary reciprocity payments. It bridges that gap and has helped nearly 300 individuals, small businesses and events make more than $165,000 in voluntary payments tied to the value of land.
“It’s such a new concept, it’s pretty unique and it’s taking time for people to take time to understand what we’re doing and what we’re asking for,” executive director Sarah Reid said. “It’s around really learning about, and upholding what our responsibilities are, to uphold the commitments that were made during the Douglas Treaties.”
It’s an opportunity, as one contributor noted, for individuals to take a tangible step toward decolonization without relying on government or other agencies. That work creates opportunities while “recognizing that the single biggest impact to Indigenous rights in urban areas in particular is privatization of property,” Reid said.
Led by Indigenous trustees from 10 South Island First Nations, the trust supports: T’Sou-ke, Esquimalt, Songhees, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum, Malahat, Pauquachin, Scia'new, and Pacheedaht Nations.
Those funds are dispersed to the nations whose land now host the residents of the Capital Regional District. In March, the South Island Indigenous Reciprocity Trust made its second distribution. Guided by the Coast Salish principle of Naut’sa Mawt—working together with one heart and one mind – trustees chose to share the funds equally among each of the 10 First Nations.
Each community uses the funds for nation-identified priorities that support land, language, culture and rebuilding.
Lək̓wəŋən (Songhees) Nation is using the funds to support youth and Elder mentorship programs operating out of the nation’s new youth centre, with the goal of supporting youth entering or reentering the workforce. Xwsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nation used funds to support their internal governance capacity building.
SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) Nation is putting the funds towards operating the bughouse – the heart of the community’s culture and well-being. MÁLEXEŁ (Malahat) Nation finished installation of multi-sport mini pitch, and Paaʔčiidʔatx ̣(Pacheedaht) Nation hosted a community feast to bring their membership together to share and practise culture.
The South Island work earned the Reciprocity Trusts Society the Social Impact Award at the 2024 Ecostar Awards as well as its first funding through the Victoria Foundation – building awareness and credibility.
“It’s a huge boost and a vote of confidence that we are doing this work in a good way,” Reid said.
Set on what appears to be the right path, the society aims to aid other parts of the province, and nation, in similar actions.
“The goal has always been to have regional reciprocity trusts in urban areas wherever the work is of interest to the local nations,” Reid said.
While a slow and deliberate process, the hope is to have something in the Vancouver region – working alongside the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations – by the end of the year.
There’s also interest in other smaller areas of the province, and as far east as Greater Toronto.
“We’re a pretty small team, so it’s one step at a time,” Reid said.
The South Island model is based on one per cent of property tax or rent, or for businesses, revenue from a spec product, or event ticket.
“Based on one per cent, it’s a pretty tangible amount for the average home in Victoria,” Reid said.
Visit reciprocitytrusts.ca for a calculator that shows suggested contributions for specific addresses.
It also serves as a resource with its 30 acts of reciprocity suggestions, from joining land restorations to supporting Indigenous economies.
“That gives a lot of thoughtful ideas on how people can just think through and act on a day-to-day basis in a way that recognizes that we are privileged to live on these lands,” Reid said. “We are guests on this land.”
