Indigenous-led · Coastal Salish Sea
Saltchuk creates opportunities for Indigenous youth and communities to reconnect with the ocean — through culture, stewardship, food systems, entrepreneurship, and the emerging blue economy.
A reconnection
Four currents
The ocean has sustained Indigenous communities for generations through food, knowledge, stewardship, and cultural connection.
Strong relationships between youth, Elders, harvesters, families, and communities help carry knowledge and opportunity forward.
Marine food systems continue to play an important role in community wellbeing, food security, and cultural identity.
The emerging blue economy presents opportunities for learning, employment, entrepreneurship, stewardship, and community development.
Four currents
The name Saltchuk comes from Chinook Jargon, a trade language historically used throughout the Pacific Northwest Coast.
“Salt chuck” refers to the ocean — a place that has sustained coastal peoples for generations through food, travel, trade, cultural connection, and livelihood.
We chose the name because it reflects the central role the ocean continues to play in the lives of Indigenous communities and the pathways it provides for future generations.
Four currents
For generations, Indigenous communities maintained deep relationships with the ocean — supporting food systems, stewardship practices, cultural traditions, livelihoods, and community wellbeing.
Today, many Indigenous youth experience fewer opportunities to build and maintain those relationships. Urbanization, changing economies, reduced access to harvesting, and shifting lifestyles have altered how young people encounter the ocean.
We believe the future of Indigenous participation in the blue economy depends on strengthening the relationships and pathways that connect people to the ocean.
Who we are
Saltchuk brings together community, culture, learning, and economic opportunity through a shared commitment to strengthening Indigenous connections to the ocean.
The initiative is being developed through the leadership of NISA and Tsawalk Community Society, two Indigenous-led organizations based in Nanaimo.
Four currents
Early development is supported through the Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture Skills and Training (ISAT) Program. We’re focused on youth engagement, marine food systems, kelp processing, and skills development.
Stories & blog
Real experiences, real questions, real learning. Follow along as we document the conversations, challenges, and opportunities that shape Saltchuk’s path.
Stories & blog
Real experiences, real questions, real learning. Follow along as we document the conversations, challenges, and opportunities that shape Saltchuk’s path.
