Our story
The name, the why, and the people behind an Indigenous-led initiative reconnecting communities with the ocean.
Chapter I · The name
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.
At its heart, Saltchuk is about strengthening connections between people and the ocean through culture, stewardship, food systems, learning, and economic opportunity.
salt · chuck
Chapter II · Why Saltchuk
“The future of Indigenous participation in the blue economy depends on strengthening the relationships and pathways that connect people to the ocean.”
For generations, Indigenous communities maintained deep relationships with the ocean — relationships that supported 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, industry consolidation, and changing lifestyles have altered how young people encounter the ocean.
Saltchuk was created to explore how Indigenous youth and communities can reconnect with the ocean through learning, culture, stewardship, food systems, and emerging economic opportunities.
Learning from Elders, spending time on the water, understanding marine food systems, exploring entrepreneurship, and discovering opportunities that support community wellbeing.
Our work is grounded in a simple idea — connecting people to the ocean.
Chapter III · Who we are
Saltchuk is an emerging initiative focused on strengthening connections between Indigenous youth, communities, and ocean-based opportunities.
It brings together community, culture, learning, and economic opportunity through a shared commitment to strengthening Indigenous connections to the ocean.
The initiative is currently being developed through the leadership and support of two Indigenous-led organizations based in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island.
Together, they bring experience in community development, youth engagement, Indigenous food systems, training, economic development, and relationship building.
As Saltchuk evolves, we continue to explore relationships and opportunities that support greater Indigenous participation in the emerging blue economy.
Chapter IV · Current activities
Saltchuk’s early development is being supported through the Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture Skills and Training (ISAT) Program.
Working alongside youth, communities, educators, and knowledge holders, we’re exploring how relationships with the ocean can contribute to learning, stewardship, food security, entrepreneurship, and future participation in the emerging blue economy.
Where the work lives right now
Youth engagement and pathway exploration
Youth engagement and pathway exploration
Youth engagement and pathway exploration
Youth engagement and pathway exploration
Youth engagement and pathway exploration
Join the journey
We welcome conversations with Indigenous communities, youth, Elders, educators, organizations, and funders interested in strengthening connections to the ocean.
