Description

Register here: https://xaxe.ca/

Join us Sept 23rd for the Come together Celebration! On September 23, 2026 — the eve of the fall equinox — we’re gathering at SṈIDȻEȽ (Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, Tod Inlet, Brentwood Bay) for an evening that’s part restoration fundraiser, part cultural celebration, and part official launch party for BRIDGE Impact AI. 

This event is a partnership between BRIDGE Impact and XAXE TEṈEW SACRED LAND SOCIETY, an organization working to secure permanent land access for Island Salish stewards. Through its REMATRIATE STEWARDSHIP project, XAXE TEṈEW connects Indigenous stewards with land and water, removes invasive species, restores forest, meadow, and wetland ecosystems, and runs land-based, culturally rooted programs that support healing. A shared future, marked at the equinox We chose the time of the equinox on purpose — a moment of balance — to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities together around something bigger than any one organization: a shared vision for future generations built on ecosystem stewardship, access to clean water, and healthy humans. 

This night is about coming together— not two communities working toward separate goals, but one community standing united for the things we all need to thrive. 

“At the core, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people want the same things: peace, safety, connection to nature, and connection to each other. This night is a reflection of that — we stand united for a future where clean water, healthy land, and belonging are things every generation can count on.” — Laurel Stark, Founder, BRIDGE Impact 

“We see a lot of hate right now towards Indigenous and marginalized groups online, but we do believe the reality is a lot more people genuinely want to live in a sustainable society. One where human beings respect one another and respect the earth that provides everything we need for life… Now more than ever, we need to come together.” — Tiffany, Founder, XAXE TEṈEW 

Why this land, why now
SṈIDȻEȽ sits within the Coastal Douglas Fir Biogeoclimatic zones — the rarest ecosystem in BC, with the most biodiverse plant species, but also endangered landscapes. Within it, the Garry Oak Ecosystem holds a charcoal record buried in this soil that tells a clear story: for thousands of years, Indigenous peoples intentionally used fire to tend these meadows, shaping the oak-and-camas landscape that early settlers mistook for “untouched wilderness.” When colonization interrupted that stewardship, the practice stopped — and so did the ecosystem’s health. Restoring this land means restoring the relationship, not just the plants. 

• We will have expert botanists & restoration specialists joining us to speak to their experience restoring Garry oak ecosystems across South Vancouver Island. 
• Music and voice Performing this evening: YB (YellowBear) Nakota, Indigenous Sioux singer, cultural worker, and 2026 JUNO nominee. YB’s work spans Land Back advocacy and gang prevention — when kids are connected to culture, they’re connected to land, and that connection is protective. We’re grateful to have that message carried through music this night. 

We need you
This event runs on community. We’re looking for: Volunteers to help with setup, hosting, and accessibility support Artists interested in performing or donating work as part of the fundraiser Corporate sponsors who want to put their reconciliation commitments into action Reach out at tiffanyrevitalist@gmail.com if you’d like to volunteer. Reach out at laurel@bridgeimpact.ai if you’d like to sponsor the event. 

Tickets
This event is free for Indigenous attendees.
For non-Indigenous attendees, tickets are offered on a sliding scale: 

• Low income: $100 
• Regular: $300 
• Business/Corporate: $500 

Every ticket funds restoration efforts on this land — invasive plant removal, ecosystem restoration, and getting more Indigenous youth onto the land to practice and learn cultural stewardship first-hand. 

For more information visit bridgeimpact.ai 

About BRIDGE Impact AI
BRIDGE Impact is the world’s first reconciliation technology, created in lək̓wəŋən speaking territory (Victoria, BC). Indigenous-led and endorsed by Indigenous community leaders and Nations, BRIDGE connects people who care about reconciliation with opportunities to fund youth-led Indigenous cultural, athletic, and artistic initiatives, and gives institutions the tools to move reconciliation commitments from intent to documented action. Learn more at bridgeimpact.ai. 

About XAXE TEṈEW SACRED LAND SOCIETY
XAXE TEṈEW SACRED LAND SOCIETY is seeking permanent land access for Island Salish stewards. Through its REMATRIATE STEWARDSHIP project, XAXE TEṈEW connects Indigenous stewards with their land and waters, advocates for the wellbeing of the Salish Sea, Island Salish people, and ecosystems, and leads invasive plant removal, native plant education, and stewardship of forest, meadow, and wetland ecosystems. XAXE TEṈEW also provides land-based, culturally rooted programs that support healing from addiction and trauma. Learn more at xaxe.ca. 

The details
📍 SṈIDȻEȽ, Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, Tod Inlet, Brentwood Bay, BC
🗓️ September 23, 2026, 6:00–9:00 PM
Note: the path from parking to the gathering site is uneven — shuttle transport will be available for anyone with mobility needs.

Register here: https://xaxe.ca/