W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary Society  (WNSS): 1979 – to present

(formerly the Greater Victoria Greenbelt Society)

WNSS is a registered non profit society S-0014941 with an elected, volunteer Board of Directors.  As a registered society WNSS has a constitution and a set of by-laws to which we adhere.

Mission

“To foster respect for nature and promote the protection of natural areas for the benefit of all future generations through environmental conservation, restoration, education, and cultural activities in alliance with local First Nations.”

Vision

“A world with protected natural areas that support the well being of the future generations of all species.”

The W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary Society considers the natural world to be a precious and necessary partner to the healthy existence of all beings including humans. We believe that all aspects of nature deserve to be respected and protected now and for future generations.

In spending time in nature, we undergo a process of deepening our insight and awareness, a process in which we strengthen our connection with the natural environment. This fundamental shift in our perspective allows us to realize our ties and responsibility to all life.

By mindfully cultivating our relationship with nature, we can re-awaken our understanding of the critical interdependence of all life, and naturally be inspired to protect it from destructive practices.

Beneficial Actions:

1. Encourage a respectful and wholistic connection to nature.
2. Protection and conservation of nature for its own sake and future generations.
   1. 1. Restoration and maintenance of ecosystems that support endangered species, plant communities and the Millstream watershed.
         • • Invasive non-native species removal
           • Planting or seeding of native species of plants.
      2. Established Conservation Covenant that protects the land in perpetuity and is inclusive of First Nations traditional concerns.
3. Collaborative and supportive relationship with local First Nations – W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples.

1. • 1. Creating opportunities for the return of traditional cultural use and land management
     2. Research that combines Scientific Naturalist Traditions (SNT) and First Nations Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)                    – Species Kinship Mapping Program
     3. Nurturing connections between regional community and local First Nations (W̱SÁNEĆ peoples) to foster respectful                             understanding.
   • 4. Providing space for activities that foster balanced health and wellbeing through time in nature.

• • • • Mindfulness and Meditation
      • Nature/Forest Therapy
      • Support cultural expression through the arts.

WNSS committed to respectful relationships with First Nations Peoples

Aug.  2022: WNSS (GVGS) Board of Directors adopted the 5 following resolutions to move the WNSS towards an equitable partnership with W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations on whose territory the W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary (formerly Mary Lake) is situated.

W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary Board of Directors and Advisors

Philip Cameron(Chair)

Philip lives in the beautiful Highlands forest with his beloved wife and their cat. He is proud father and grandfather who loves nature and nourishing family and friends with food. He has extensive experience managing not- for profit organizations, strategic planning and policy development.

Libby McMinn (Secretary)

Libby McMinn had the privilege of a childhood lived amongst the forests of the Highlands on the traditional and unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ people. Post-secondary education took her to Ottawa and Calgary where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work. She worked in community based social services and later, in public education and awareness programs on environmental issues, and volunteered with environmental and community development organizations. Libby served on the Advisory Committee for the development of the District of Highlands Integrated Community Sustainability Plan and was a founding member and co-chair of the Highlands Community Garden.

Cheymus McNulty (Director)

Kyle Rasmussen (Director)

Bob McMinn (Director)

Bob is a retired forest ecologist with over 40 years of professional experience throughout BC. He is passionate about keeping as much of the Highlands as possible in its natural state. This motivated him to start the Highlands District Community Association and enter politics to become the first Mayor of the District of Highlands. During his term of office, parklands were increased to 30% of the Highlands. Increasing parkland and protected space is a thrust that subsequent councils have continued. In 2010 Bob recognized the potential for the Mary Lake property as a great addition to green space in the Highlands.

Awards: Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Canada 125 and BC Good Citizenship Medals and the District of Highlands Freedom of the Municipality are recognition of his many years’ service to the Highlands and the Greater Victoria Community.

Advisors

Tom Sampson (TTASELEK)

A respected elder of the Tsartlip Nation and a vocal environmental advocate who served as Chief of Tsartlip for 24 years, and chairman of the South Island Tribal Council for 22 years. He launched the Coast Salish Sea Council, participating in the proposal for the Marine Protected Area at Race Rocks in 2000 and raising awareness about the impacts of the proposed LNG plant and Bamberton Development on the Saanich Inlet.

Ben Van Drimmelen 

BSF, LLB Retired, Biologist and Barrister

Ben worked as a wildlife biologist, habitat biologist and natural resources lawyer for the BC government and for the independent Forest Practices Board. He has been on boards with the Land Trust Alliance of BC, the Victoria Natural History Society and Habitat Acquisition Trust