Work begins this week to prepare the ground for the Tis’kwat coming home project that will bring 30 units of rental housing to the former village site at Tis’kwat.
Tla’amin Nation hegus John Hackett stated in a media release that ground blessing ceremonies are carried out for all ofTla’amin’s major projects.
“We bless the ground to begin the work in a good way by taking care of the land and our ancestors,” stated Hackett. “Before we disturb the ground, we let the ancestors know what our plans and intentions are, and pray that they will keep all the workers safe and protected.”
Located at 5903 Arbutus Avenue, 30 affordable rental homes are planned for Tla’amin families and other Indigenous people living in the qathet region. The rental housing complex is anticipated to be made up of two- and three-bedroom units.
Tla’amin executive councilor Dillon Johnson is excited to witness the first major housing development located outside of the main community of t̓išosəm.
“We are coming home to Tis’kwat,” stated Johnson, “This was a central settlement for Tla’amin people until our forced removal in the early 1900. Our ancestors will rejoice to feel our presence here once again.”
The Coming Home Project is made possible through partnerships with BC Housing and Luma Housing, which is providing development management services. Converge Construction is the builder, according to the release.
Heavy machinery will be on site beginning August 25 and lot preparation will be ongoing from 7 am to 6 pm, six days a week, until late September.
The ground blessing ceremony is scheduled for August 13 at 10 am at 5903 Arbutus Avenue. Members of the public are welcome to attend and observe the work.
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