Tla’amin Nation advances plan for 30 homes at original village site of tiskʷət
Affordable rental housing for Indigenous families, people with disabilities, women with children, and youth.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 10, 2024
Today, the Province and BC Housing announced that Tla’amin Nation has been selected to move forward with a housing proposal at its former village site of tiskʷət.
“Tla’amin is returning home to our original village of tiskʷət” said Hegus John Hackett. “I’m flooded by emotion because for the first time in 150 years, our people, the descendants of those forcibly removed from tiskʷət, will once again be reconnected and caring for our original village site.”
Located at 5903 Arbutus Ave, 30 affordable rental homes are planned for Tla’amin families and other Indigenous people living in the qathet region and are anticipated to be made up of two- and three-bedroom units.
The tiskʷət housing project is Tla’amin Nation’s first major housing development located outside of the main community of t̓išosəm. Tla’amin Nation regained over 8300 hectares of its territory through the modern treaty process.
The new development is widely supported by the broader community and received letters of support from Powell River Mayor and Council, the Powell River Chamber of Commerce, qathet Regional District, and other partners all who share our enthusiasm and commitment to this project’s purpose.
Energy efficient multifamily units are a cornerstone of Tla’amin’s housing strategy and a model for further densification of housing in the region. The blueprint for the project is inspired by the recently completed 24-unit Elders and assisted-needs housing complex located in t̓išosəm. Extensive community engagement by the Tla’amin resulted in apartment style living that feels like home to Tla’amin Citizens. Working with this design as a starting point allows Tla’amin to save on time and budget.
Executive Councillor for Public Works and Capital Infrastructure Losa Luaifoa says, “We weren’t meant to be crowded into one small corner of Tla’amin territory. This new and affordable rental housing on transportation routes will significantly improve the daily lives of our Citizens and other residents, offering easier access to work, schools, healthcare, and recreational activities.”
Tla’amin have partnered with Lu’ma Development Management and Urban Arts Architectures to develop the project plan. More details will be shared once project details are finalized.
Media
Media@tn-bc.ca
778-834-7934
Quotes
“Tla’amin people are returning home to tiskʷət. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has got us to this point: Our Ancestors who cared for this Land since time immemorial, our Development Planning team for helping us with the Proposal, and to BC Housing for recognizing the meaning this project will have for our Nation’s healing. This is a huge step forward for our people to live outside of our old Reserve boundaries & reconcile with our neighbors. I’m so proud and joyful to see this project move forward.” – Carmen Galligos, Director of Public Works and Capital Infrastructure
“This project not only promises to alleviate the housing shortage but also marks a significant step in honoring the ancestral ties of the Tla’amin people to their former village site. The City is willing to collaborate closely with Tla’amin Nation through the formal development processes and will actively engage in discussions regarding the necessary servicing agreements required for project realization.” – Mayor Ron Woznow, City of Powell River
“We celebrate the return of the Tla’amin people to their ancestral site as a great homecoming and recognize the positive ripple effects this project will have on local businesses through increased foot traffic and economic activity. We are confident in the Tla’amin Nation’s ability to execute this project with great respect and sensitivity to the cultural and historical significance of the site, ensuring benefits for all parties involved.” – Dave Formosa, Chair, Powell River Chamber of Commerce
Background
The Indian Act and Reserve System reduced Tla’amin Nation’s land base to six small reserves for the last 150 years. During this period Lot 450 was illegally established and previous large and important villages at Grief Point, Willington Beach and tiskʷət were taken.
In 2016, Tla’amin Nation, BC and Canada signed a modern treaty and Tla’amin resumed responsibility for over 8300 ha of its territory. The treaty did not address the tiskʷət site, leaving it open to future negotiations.
The City of Powell River provided consent to designate the property upon which the development will be located as Treaty Settlement Land in September 2018. The Province of BC is in the process of re-designating the land as TSL.
Tla’amin is currently negotiating a specific claim with Canada which includes the tiskwat village.
On October 27, 2024 Tla’amin signed yiχmɛtštəm tiskʷat (we are going to take care of tiskwat) Memorandum of Understanding with the Province of BC.
In the last four years, Tla’amin has undergone a building boom, erecting 42 new units of housing, a daycare, youth centre and emergency housing site.
