south island trust.

The South Island Indigenous Reciprocity Trust

Guided by naut’sa mawt

(“together, with one heart and one mind”)

The South Island Indigenous Reciprocity Trust is the first ever active regional Reciprocity Trust, launched in June of 2023. It is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island extending from what is now known as Port Renfrew, around the W̱SÁNEĆ Peninsula, and across the Southern Gulf Islands (encompassing the CRD).

The South Island is home to about 460,000 residents… and over 185,000 private dwellings… at an average assessed value of $1.1M*

*values based on BC Assessment as of January 2, 2026.

Reciprocity is not a new idea on the South Island.

The Douglas Treaties were made on South Vancouver Island in the 1850s by Indigenous Nations and representatives of the British Crown. They are the product of a different colonial time, but the oral and written accounts tell us something about what was expected: a kind of annual rent paid by newcomers to recognize Indigenous lands and rights.

They tell us that property rights in Victoria and the CRD are supposed to involve a relationship of respect and ongoing reciprocity with Indigenous communities. However, the spirit and intent of the Douglas Treaties quickly transformed into 160+ years of colonization that generated significantly disparate socioeconomic outcomes for South Island First Nations — while property values on their traditional territories skyrocketed.

Wealth accumulates in private property, especially real estate.

Those of us lucky enough to own real estate also quietly buy into (and benefit from) an ugly bit of colonial history. But this also means that we get to play a role in wealth redistribution and embedding reciprocity in our relationship with host Nations. We get to choose what co-existence on shared lands looks like.

Slow Growth, Real Impact.

0+
in redistributed wealth
0
contributing homes, small businesses and events
0
to each Beneficiary Nation

Why this work matters

As the Trustee appointed for my Nation, I am encouraged to know that there is a community of settlers ready and willing to walk alongside the Indigenous peoples of this land in a good way on the pathway to reconciliation. Thank you for your commitment, your trust and your respect.
Snauqia (Jeanine Cooper), W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) Nation Trustee to the South Island Indigenous Reciprocity Trust (2023-2025)
The journey with Reciprocity Trusts has been amazing… the initiative builds allyship with people outside our Nation, and builds capacity for our people… It’s helping us offset a lot of costs to uplift our people in a cultural way.
Abraham Pelkey, SMOȻEŦET Chief of SȾÁ,UTW̱ First Nation
Reciprocity is a good step towards mending our relationships… It’s not about the money. It’s about creating the relationship between our communities as a whole.
Abraham Pelkey, SMOȻEŦET Chief of SȾÁ,UTW̱ First Nation
I will say to the donors, thank you so much… it’s not a handout, it’s a hand up and it’s really helping our people… It’s a good relationship because… you’re uplifting a people, you’re adhering to a greater governance, … and giving us that respect as the first peoples of the land.
Abraham Pelkey, SMOȻEŦET Chief of SȾÁ,UTW̱ First Nation