The inception of this project was initiated by Pete Shepherd, (Founder of the Salish Sea Stones Project) with a visit to the “Salish Sea Market” in Chemainus, BC, Canada, his home town. The Market is owned by the Penelakut First Nation.

 

Pete created unique stone art to sell in the Salish Sea Market, and donated all monies directly to the Penelakut Elementary School. This was to help enrich their educational and sports programs.

 

This endeavor led to an invite for Pete to come to the Penelakut Island’s Elementary school and teach the children how to make his unique stone art. The interest in the project was immediate, and he found himself teaching 2 individual classes. Originally, Pete and the students created the stone art as gifts for the Chief, the Elders and their families. Stones are now also created as gifts for the kids in local transition houses and hospitals.

 

The stones are placed and sold in numerous local area retail locations, with all monies donated being returned to the Penelakut First Nation. A small portion of the funds collected are also shared with the local “Cowichan Women Against Violence,” to support children entering their program.