The Songhees First Nation in partnership with Coastal Sea Ventures has launched a cultural boat tour for the summer season.
Guests will have an opportunity to explore Oak Bay’s beautiful shorelines and islands from the water while learning about the First Nations communities that thrived here for more than 5,000 years.
Rich with traditional knowledge, the tour follows the personal story of Songhees elder Joan Morris who was the last of the indigenous people to call the Songhees Islands home. Joan’s family lived on Chatham Island until 1957 and for generations had been known as the community’s healers. Their day-to-day life was built around harvesting the medicinal plants of the area and cultivating indigenous foods such as camas and clams for their family.
Lead Songhees guide Mark Salter also has a strong knowledge of the area through teachings from elders and years of sailing experience in the area. Using interesting and informative interpretation with well known points of reference such as Bowker Creek, Willows Beach, Cadboro Bay (and the mysterious Cadborosaurus).
Tours are scheduled to depart weekly from the Oak Bay Marina at 6 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday throughout the summer. For more information or to book tickets visit coastalseaventures.com.
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com