By Darlene Gage
I recently joined more than 100 people on the Q’ushin’tul’ Ancestor’s Walk across Salt Spring Island alongside Coast Salish Elders, youth, families and settlers. Q’ushin’tul’ means “walking with one another” in Hul’q’umi’num’, the language of the Quw’utsun people, and after four days together, I believe most of the walkers felt that strong sense of connection and understanding — even though we came from different types of communities.
We climbed up and down Hwmet’utsun (Mt. Maxwell), shared meals and ceremony at the Farmers’ Institute in Shiya’hwt (Ganges) and visited elder care homes to sing and drum with Elders here on Salt Spring. But what stayed with me most were the quieter moments along the way.
I kept noticing the mothers carrying babies on their backs over steep trails and long distances. Several talked about how different it felt to raise children in a setting where care was naturally shared by everyone around them. Offers like “Can I carry your child for a while?” “Do you need help with that bag?” or “Have you eaten?” were constant and natural.
The Elders were also at the centre of community life throughout the walk. Decisions happened with them, not separately from them. Whenever a question came up about how we should proceed, they were the first people consulted. There was something powerful about seeing wisdom and lived experience treated as essential rather than symbolic.
I also noticed how rare it was for anyone to be left alone unless they wanted solitude. In modern life, many of us quietly carry loneliness and disconnection as though it is normal. During those four days, I experienced something different: community not as an idea or slogan, but as a daily practice of paying attention to one another.
I came away feeling emotional, but also energized. The walk made me realize how hungry many of us are for deeper connection, belonging and ways of living that feel more grounded in care and reciprocity.
These gatherings tend to ask something different of us settlers than what we might be used to. They’re not an invitation to adopt or absorb what isn’t ours, but to show up with curiosity and respect, and let that be the spark.
I feel so grateful to the Indigenous friends and neighbours who generously shared so much with all of us on the Walk. That is why I am especially excited about upcoming opportunities for the wider community to participate in Indigenous People’s Weekend June 18-21 at the Farmer’s Institute. Learn more about it online at indigenouspeoplesweekend.ca/program.
I’m also beyond thrilled to hear that the SȾÁUTW are returning to their traditional territories in very active ways at their Tsawout Reserve in the South End. Their plans to install a Long House and have more active cultural activities will bring more chances to learn and, more importantly, build stronger relationships and unity with one another.
I hope the Salt Spring community will actively support their efforts to return home.
Darlene Gage is the executive director of Transition Salt Spring.