MALAHAT FIRST NATION
Malahat First Nation is located on the western shore of Saanich Inlet, approximately 40 km north of Victoria. There are two parcels of lands reserved for Indians under the Indian Act, 237.1 hectares – Malahat district on the west shore of Saanich inlet south of Mill Bay and 4.8 hectares – Goldstream and highland districts, at south end of Finlayson Arm and Mouth of the Goldstream River.
The lands allotted to the first nations by the Joint Commission in 1877. In 1957 the Saanich Tribe divided into five bands, now known at Nations: Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tsartlip, Tseycum and Malahat. There is differing opinions on what the Saanich name means, one meaning is “infested with caterpillars” with reference to a year when the tent caterpillars stripped the trees of their leaves. The other interpretation is “place where one gets bait.”
Population as of December 2004 was 252 people. This Nation elects one Chief and two council members.
Negotiator for Malahat is Russell Harry.