What Tsawout First Nation does

SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation (also known as Tsawout First Nation) is a self-governing Indigenous Nation and one of five W̱SÁNEĆ communities, situated on East Saanich IR No. 2 — a 241-hectare reserve on the Saanichton Peninsula in British Columbia, Canada, approximately 15 minutes north of Victoria. Operating under the Indian Act with elected Chief and Council (most recent election July 7, 2025; Chief Abraham Pelkey) and a professional administration team (CEO, COO, CFO), the Nation serves approximately 1,600 registered members through a comprehensive departmental structure covering Health, Education, Housing, Fisheries, Lands, Taxation, Social Development, Wellness, and Child & Family Support. Service delivery includes SX̱EDJELI (Hummingbird) Childcare, Head Start, Learning House, primary care and home & community care, medical transportation, the planned 94-space Early Learning and Childcare Centre, and the Tsawout Housing Association Multiplex with subsidized Phase 2 units.

Revenue derives from five streams: federal and provincial government funding and grants across community services; on-reserve property taxation (operational since 1994 under Bill C-115 and Bill 64); tax-deductible donations as a qualified donee under the Income Tax Act; facility rentals (gymnasium, auditorium, multipurpose room, outdoor big tent) at tiered rates; and BC Housing-subsidized housing rents ($620-$835/month for 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units). Key partnerships include NIḰ TU,O Child and Family Services (a Coast Salish-led agency serving seven affiliated nations), BC Housing, Island Health, the First Nations Adult Care Society, and BMO Bank of Montreal for direct deposit. Treaty-protected fishery rights under the Douglas Treaties (1850s), affirmed in Claxton v. Saanichton Bay Marina (1987), underpin fisheries and territorial stewardship operations, including the W̱ENÁ¸NEĆ (heron) Project and Land Back advocacy.

Name

Tsawout First Nation

Legal name

SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation

Website

https://tsawout.ca

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation is a self-governing W̱SÁNEĆ Nation on East Saanich IR No. 2 in British Columbia, delivering health, education, housing, fisheries, social, taxation, and child and family services to approximately 1,600 registered members under the Indian Act.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Indigenous Community Services and Government

NAICS

American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Governments (921150), American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Governments (92115), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Minority, Indigenous & Disability Rights (BPADAGAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Indigenous/Tribal Education Authorities & Boards (EDADABAM), Tribal/Indigenous Public Health Authorities (HLAJAAAD)

Keywords

• Indigenous community services
• First nations governance
• Affordable housing programs
• Community health services
• Early childhood education

Headquarters

HQ city

Saanichton

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding & Grants: Tsawout First Nation receives funding from federal and provincial government programs to deliver community services including healthcare, education, housing, fisheries, social development, and child and family services.
2. Taxation Revenue: Since 1994, SȾÁUTW̱ has implemented its own property taxation system under Bill C-115 and Bill 64, levying property taxes on reserve lands for local government services.
3. Donations: The Nation accepts tax-deductible donations from the public for community initiatives including Land Back, Early Learning and Childcare Centre, Cultural Initiatives (Bighouse), Community Splash Park, Elder's Fund, and general purposes. Tsawout is a qualified donee under the Income Tax Act.
4. Facility Rentals: Rental income from gymnasium, auditorium, multipurpose room, and outdoor big tent to community members and external parties.
5. Housing Rent: Rental income from Multiplex housing units (1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 2-bedroom accessible, 3-bedroom) with subsidized rates under BC Housing's Indigenous Housing Fund.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Tsawout First Nation (SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation) is a self-governing Indigenous First Nation providing comprehensive community services to approximately 1,600 registered band members across health, education, housing, fisheries, lands management, social development, taxation, child and family support, wellness, and employment. The Nation operates as a sovereign government under the Indian Act with elected Chief and Council and a professional administration team, delivering services both directly and through external agency partnerships such as NIȽ TU,O Child and Family Services.

Product overview

S TAUTW First Nation operates as a First Nation government providing comprehensive community services across multiple departments. The organization's offerings include Education (Early Learning and Childcare Centre with 94 spaces, Hummingbird Childcare, Head Start, Learning House), Health (primary care, mental health, medical transportation, home care), Child & Family Support Services (through NI L TU,O partnership), Housing (Band Owned units and Tsawout Housing Association Multiplex with subsidized Phase 2 units), Fisheries, Lands Management, Social Development, Taxation, Facility Rentals (Gymnasium, Auditorium, Multipurpose Room), Wellness Programs, and Employment & Training. The Nation also operates a mobile app and is developing a Splash Pad and Community Park. Services are delivered through direct departmental operations and external agency partnerships, with the Multiplex housing program providing deeply subsidized affordable housing through BC Housing's Indigenous Housing Fund.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Health Department Services Comprehensive health services including Primary Health Care, Community Health Nursing, Home & Community Care, Mental Health Care, Medical Transportation, Non-Insured Benefits, and Health and Recreation Grants for registered band members.
• Education Department Services Educational programs including SX̱EDJELI (Hummingbird) Childcare Centre, Head Start, and Learning House for children and youth in the community.
• Early Learning and Childcare Centre A planned childcare facility offering 94 spaces for infants, toddlers, and school-aged children, promoting SENĆOŦEN language and cultural programming. Located next to the Health Centre and the new Bighouse.
• Child & Family Support Services Family support services including Youth Program, Family Advocates, and Counsellors delivered through NIȽ TU,O external agency partnership for children, youth, and families.
• NIȽ TU,O Child and Family Services External Coast Salish-led agency providing family strengthening programs, delegated child welfare services (C3 Recruitment and Resources, C4 Guardianship), and culturally safe support for families affiliated with Tsawout and six other Coast Salish First Nations.
• Tsawout Housing Association Multiplex Affordable housing complex offering Phase 1 and Phase 2 units at Tetayut Rd. Phase 2 features subsidized rates (1BR: $620/mo, 2BR: $745/mo, 3BR: $835/mo) through BC Housing's Indigenous Housing Fund with maximum household income limits.
• Fisheries Department Manages traditional fisheries operations supporting the community's economic and food security needs under Douglas Treaty protections, including traditional fishing rights and commercial and sustenance fishing.
• Lands Department Oversees land management, lands laws, policies, agreements, public works, and forms for the East Saanich IR No. 2 reserve.
• Social Development / Employment & Income Assistance Provides Employment & Income Assistance programs for community members.
• Taxation Services Implements property taxation and assessment bylaws for reserve lands. SȾÁUTW̱ has implemented its own property taxation system since 1994, following Bill C-115 and Bill 64 legislation, levying property taxes on reserve lands.
• Facility Rentals Offers rental facilities including Gymnasium, Auditorium, Multipurpose Room, and Outdoor Big Tent for community and public events. Tiered pricing: SȾÁUTW̱ Member, First Nations Rate, and General Public rates available.
• Wellness Programs Provides wellness services and recreational programs for community health and wellbeing.
• Employment & Training Provides employment opportunities, job postings, and training programs for community members including equipment training (Skid Steer, Mini-Excavator).
• Tsawout Mobile App Mobile application available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store for community engagement, updates, and member access to information and services.

Quantifiable outcome

• The First Nations Adult Care Society, co-founded by SȾÁUTW̱ Elder Eydie Pelkey, has reduced hospital bed days for First Nations clients by enabling elders to receive care at home, remaining the only one of 10 original organizations still operational after 27 years.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NIȽ TU,O Child and Family Services SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNIȽ TU,O is a Coast Salish-led external agency that provides delegated child welfare services (C3 Recruitment and Resources, C4 Guardianship) and non-delegated family support services for SȾÁUTW̱ and six other Coast Salish First Nations (Beecher Bay/Scia'new, Pauquachin, Songhees, Tsartlip, Tseycum, T'Sou-ke). SȾÁUTW̱ signed a Band Council Resolution 25 years ago enabling affiliated members to access these services. NIȽ TU,O operates from a newly renovated Coast Salish-styled longhouse building and is the only one of 10 original organizations still operational after 27 years.
• BC HousingcoreOthersBC Housing's Indigenous Housing Fund provides funding for Phase 2 of the Tsawout Multiplex housing development, enabling deeply subsidized affordable housing units. BC Housing program requirements mandate rental rates, maximum household income limits, and eligibility criteria for Phase 2 tenants.
• Peninsula Water CommissionminorOthersProvides water supply to the SȾÁUTW̱ community's water system. The community also operates its own sewage treatment facility.
• Pacific Institute for Sport Education (PISE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPISE partners with the After School Program to provide physical activities for children ages 5-12, supporting health and wellness within the community.
• UVic Science VentureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with the After School Program to deliver science experiments and educational activities for children, fostering interest in STEM from a young age.
• Greater Victoria Public LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with the After School Program for library visits and literacy support for children enrolled in the program.
• UVic Centre for Outreach Education (CORE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides tutoring services through the After School Program, helping students with literacy, numeracy, and homework support.
• BMO Bank of MontrealminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBMO representatives are on-site at SȾÁUTW̱ to assist members with setting up direct deposit accounts for payments from Band Administration, supporting the Nation's transition to direct deposit for all payables.
• Island HealthcoreOthersIsland Health maintains a collaborative relationship with SȾÁUTW̱ for culturally-sensitive healthcare delivery. The hospital has created designated spaces for Indigenous practices (Shaker ceremonies) and acknowledges the First Nations Adult Care Society's role in reducing hospital bed days. Island Health staff have participated in cultural competency training including the Blanket Ceremony.
• First Nations Adult Care SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founded by SȾÁUTW̱ Elder Eydie Pelkey, this society provides home care services (RNs, LPNs, home support workers) for First Nations elders across multiple W̱SÁNEĆ communities. The society coordinates with Tsawout's Health Department and nurse practitioner to deliver culturally-safe care, reducing hospital admissions for Indigenous clients.
• Saanich Police DepartmentminorOthersDeputy Chief Darrell Underwood (member of SȾÁUTW̱) leads community policing initiatives including the Indigenous Learning Series, drum lessons with students, and mental health wellness programs. The department is committed to cultural competency and community engagement with Indigenous communities.
• Camosun CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerW̱SÁNEĆ artist Bear Horne created an 18-foot mixed-media artwork installation for Camosun College's new trades building (unveiled 2021), symbolizing the blend of technology with traditional Salish house post designs.
• Whale Trail on Saturna IslandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBear Horne crafted two carved benches depicting killer whales for the Whale Trail at ṮEḴTEḴSEN, representing W̱SÁNEĆ heritage and making community culture visible on the island.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Tseycum First Nation: The smallest of the five W̱SÁNEĆ nations, sharing Douglas Treaty fisheries and cultural heritage with SȾÁUTW̱. Operates a comparable band administration structure delivering community services under the Indian Act framework.
• Pauquachin First Nation: A W̱SÁNEĆ sister nation also located on the Saanich Peninsula with shared Douglas Treaty rights. Delivers a similar suite of band-government services to its members, including health, education, and lands management.
• Songhees First Nation: A Coast Salish nation in the Greater Victoria area that participates in NIṮ TU,O alongside SȾÁUTW̱. Operates a similar comprehensive service model with significant economic development (Songhees Nation lands, business enterprises) offering a comparable self-governance benchmark.
• Tsartlip First Nation: One of the five W̱SÁNEĆ Nation communities, immediately adjacent to SȾÁUTW̱ on the Saanich Peninsula. Operates under the same Douglas Treaty framework and delivers a comparable portfolio of community services (health, education, housing, child welfare) to a similar-size membership base.
• T'Sou-ke First Nation: A W̱SÁNEĆ-adjacent Coast Salish nation on Vancouver Island with shared cultural and treaty heritage. Partners with SȾÁUTW̱ through NIṮ TU,O Child and Family Services and operates a similar band-government service model.
• Beecher Bay (Scia'new) First Nation: A southern Vancouver Island Coast Salish nation and NIṮ TU,O partner, sharing cultural and service-delivery parallels with SȾÁUTW̱. Delivers health, education, and housing services under a comparable band government structure.

Broad incumbents

• First Nations Health Authority: BC's Indigenous-led health authority that partners with SȾÁUTW̱'s Health Department and funds/coordinates culturally safe care delivery. Operates at provincial scale but provides essential services and funding relationships directly relevant to SȾÁUTW̱.
• W̱SÁNEĆ Nation (Tribal Council): The overarching tribal council encompassing SȾÁUTW̱ and four sister nations. Provides coordinated representation on treaty rights, fisheries, and intergovernmental matters, functioning as a broader-scale governance body relevant to SȾÁUTW̱'s sovereign activities.
• BC Assembly of First Nations: The provincial political organization representing 204 First Nations in BC, including SȾÁUTW̱. Provides policy advocacy and intergovernmental coordination at a scale far beyond any single nation, shaping the funding and regulatory environment in which SȾÁUTW̱ operates.

Regional players

• Tsawwassen First Nation: A BC Lower Mainland First Nation with an established treaty and significant self-government economic development (TFN Lands, retail, industrial). Although geographically distinct, it provides a comparable benchmark for treaty-enabled economic diversification and self-generated revenue on reserve lands.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/101430475863553
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tsawout-first-nation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Tsawout First Nation