Earlier this year, we shared our new strategic plan, which is guiding our work to advance sustainable, equitable, and socially just land use across BC. In doing so, we have committed to upholding the following core values: equity, decolonizing, reciprocity, sustainability, and integrity.

While renewing the mission and vision of the Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC), we also sought to find a better symbol of who we are and where we want to go. We’re excited to share the news that we’ve chosen the salmonberry blossom to help represent our story.

Why, you ask? For thousands of years, the salmonberry plant’s pink blossom has helped announce the arrival of spring up and down the coast of what’s now known as British Columbia. It’s a resilient perennial that depends on a healthy, reciprocal relationship between water and land, and people and salmon, to thrive. It’s a symbol of potential and optimism for what’s to come. Its red and orange berries remind us of the early rewards and nourishment that comes when we take care of these relationships.

If you’re interested in learning a little more, Jess Úst̓i, executive director of Qqs Projects Society, a Heiltsuk nonprofit, wrote a wonderful article about this amazing plant. It’s known by many names along the coast, including lileʔəɬp in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, elílá:lhp in Halq’eméylem, and yetwánay̓ in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim, a few of the languages spoken by Indigenous peoples in the Lower Mainland. (Visit the Museum of Vancouver’s Indigenous Plant Guide and FirstVoices to hear pronunciations.)

We hope the salmonberry helps remind us to keep on giving forward, and honour the relationships of people, lands, and waters we are all so connected to.