FIVE FIRST NATIONS WITH A COMMON GOAL
The Songhees, Nanoose, Beecher Bay, T'Sou-ke and Malahat Nations joined together in 1996 to form the Te'mexw Treaty Association. Together, our goal is to support each other as we negotiate a treaty using the British Columbia Treaty process. There are six stages to the process, and Te’mexw is currently at stage four, the negotiation of an Agreement-In-Principle.
THE TE'MEXW LOGO:
Symbol of our Nations’ common history
The Te’mexw Treaty Association’s logo was designed by Rod Modeste, a skilled artisan/engraver from the Malahat Nation.
Meaning of the Design
The interlocking design of the salmon, land, moon, stars and water clearly shows that each part depends on the other; one part simply cannot flourish without the 
others. Each symbol is deeply significant for our member nations. We are stewards of the land, taking care of Mother Earth so that she will always be able to provide the riches that allow us to thrive. For this very reason we have chosen the Hul’qumi’num word “Te’mexw” which means ”land” in English.
The salmon returning to the place of its birth is guided by the stars and the moon. It splashes in the bay before travelling up the stream that flows from the land to the ocean. Thus, like all of Mother Nature’s gifts, the salmon originates with the land.
These symbols are all deeply meaningful to First Nations’ people. Although our cultures are diverse, we share many common stories, passed on through generations of oral communication.
