Collaboration Agreements
Relationship Protocol 2026
Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nation | Songhees Nation | University of Victoria
This Relationship Protocol reflects a shared commitment between Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nation, Songhees Nation and the University of Victoria to strengthen their relationship through collaboration, mutual respect and cultural understanding.
Rooted in a spirit of reconciliation, this Protocol acknowledges the importance of advancing initiatives that benefit both the Nations and the University by focusing on creating meaningful and tangible outcomes. This Protocol outlines a framework for cooperation in areas of shared interest, including economic development, land stewardship, education, cultural revitalization and community well-being guided by lək̓ʷəŋən values and principles.
This Protocol serves as a living document intended to evolve through ongoing dialogue, reflecting the dynamic nature of this partnership as new opportunities arise and mutual understanding deepens.
Each partner enters into this Protocol in the spirit of Naut’sa mawt (“together as one”) with respect, humility and a commitment to learning from one another.
Ts'uubaa-asatx Nation
Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation | University of Victoria Collaboration Agreement 2024–2029
The University of Victoria wants to begin by acknowledging and respecting the Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation on whose territory the Simpson property resides on.
Place name: Ch’itupt nit - grass used for basketry
Collaboration Statement
With Ditidaht culture, land, and language at the heart, the Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation and the University of Victoria (UVic) are committed to working together for the benefit of our students and communities, prioritizing community-based education to enhance community capacity-building and economic development.
Guiding Principles
The partners will maintain a respectful and reciprocal relationship that is learner and community focused, culturally rooted, goal oriented and transparent in practice. The collaboration will build on the strengths of Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation and UVic to encourage and enhance the programs and services of both partners.
The partners will carry out their respective and mutual goals, and objectives, with the following values to help guide their actions and decisions:
ISAAK CAMIS (RESPECT) for all partners involved in the programs and services
COLLABORATIVE decision-making
COMMITMENT to each other and neighbouring communities
TRANSPARENCY in all dealings with respect to the programs and services
CULTURE is honoured with respect to traditional and sacred knowledge
EDUCATION opportunities
VALUING the lands, waters, and ecosystems
W̱SÁNEĆ School Board
W̱SÁNEĆ School Board | University of Victoria Collaboration Agreement 2022-2030
We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
Collaboration Statement
With W̱SÁNEĆ culture, land, and SENĆOŦEN language at the heart, the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board (W̱ SB) and the University of Victoria (UVic) are committed to working together for the benefit of our students, prioritizing community-based education to enhance community capacity.
Guiding Principles
The partners will maintain a respectful and reciprocal relationship that is learner and community focused, culturally rooted, goal oriented and transparent in practice. The collaboration will build on the strengths of the W̱ SB and UVic to encourage and enhance the programs and services of both partners.
The partners will carry out their respective and mutual goals and objectives
with a view to the following principles:
COLLABORATIVE decision-making
RESPECT for all partners involved in the programming
TRANSPARENCY in all dealings with respect to the programming
EXCELLENCE in teaching and a high-quality learning environment
HONOURING cultural customs and practices with respect to traditional
and sacred knowledge