The final of three events celebrating history, culture and science related to Tod Inlet is coming up Saturday, October 22 from 10 am to 4 pm. Those who enjoyed salmon roasted the traditional Coast Salish way at the first two events will be happy to add vegetables cooked in a pit this time. Just remember to bring your own dishes if you plan to eat.
Organized by Sea Change Marine Conservation Society and funded by the Ministry of Environment, CRD Arts Development Service and Evergreen Foundation, all three events commemorate the 100th anniversary of BC Parks.
While the food cooks, children can take part in a treasure hunt, check out a model of the Tod Creek watershed or make some crafts. At 11 am there will be an ethno-botanical tour. Bring your memories about the Inlet for inclusion in the Saanich Inlet and Peninsula Coastal Community Map project any time of day. Sometime around noon the food will be ready, but not necessarily at the same time. Anyone who inhales the aroma of salmon roasting and anticipates the flavour while the hot rocks in the pit finish the vegetables will not be likely to leave until they’ve eaten.
This is a chance to exchange ideas about how to use signs to inform people who visit this particular provincial park about some of its rich history. Local First Nations lived in the area and referred to the land around Tod Inlet as SNITCEL, (pronounced “sneak with”) which translates into Place of the Blue Grouse. They continue to practice their rights under the Douglas Treaty. Pioneers and Chinese workers lived in the area for over 50 years starting in the early 1900’s. So, there is plenty to share with visitors.
The afternoon will run informally and will include telling stories, discussion about signs, activities for children and community mapping. Canopy tents and the Nature Float will be on hand in case of rain.
Anyone who would like to bring root vegetables for cooking in the pit is requested to have them on site by 9 am. Contact SeaChange Marine Conservation Society if you’d like to make an arrangement to drop pit cook foods off the day before the cook. Please help keep the collective footprint light by bringing your own dishes and drink, packing garbage and recyclables back out with you and keeping dogs on leash.
Parking is limited at the entrance on Wallace Drive just south of Benvenuto Avenue; so consider car-pooling, biking, or using BC Transit. The walk from the service gate on Wallace Drive down to Tod Inlet takes about 20 minutes. There is a BC Transit stop at Butchart Gardens. From the bus stop, walk back to Benvenuto Ave, head downhill to the service gate and follow the service road down to Tod Inlet, about a 10 minute walk. For those with limited mobility, please contact SeaChange in advance to arrange for access.
For more information, please contact:
SeaChange Marine Conservation Society, 250-652-1662 or sverstegen@shaw.ca
Updates will be posted on this blog.
