A grand opening was held Tuesday, for new S岣祑x瘫wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) housing in Squamish.
The multi-unit complex on Government Road, built for vulnerable S岣祑xwú7mesh people was completed almost a year ago.
The opening ceremony, which involved S岣祑xwú7mesh singing, dancing, prayers, and blessings from guest speakers and performers, took place on March 11 at Eskékxwi7ch tl'a Sp'á岣祑'us Place (meaning the gathering place of eagles), on the Siyich'em reserve near Brackendale, to ratify the building's completion last April when there was a similar ceremony to celebrate, and to welcome the S岣祑xwú7mesh people's return to their homeland.
The 27 self-contained units, built by Hiy虛ám虛 ta S岣祑x瘫wú7mesh Housing Society, a not-for-profit organization founded in 2019 by the Nation, have been made affordable exclusively for S岣祑xwú7mesh people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness; women and children seeking refuge from violence have been prioritized, followed by families, elders, those with disabilities, and LGBTQ2SIA+
'We want to bring our people home, that's the goal,' said Christine (TlatlaKwot) Baker, of regarding the development of Eskékxwi7ch tl'a Sp'á岣祑'us Place.
Baker said that around four years ago the Nation issued surveys about housing, deciding how best to utilize funds.
"Our people helped us; they voted 'yes' for multi-units, and that took us maybe two years to present to the community,' said Baker, "Our top priority has always been housing and our people.”
The complex will include amenities such as a Wellness Centre, featuring a counselling service and a clinic, as well as a recreational area, school bus service, and daycare centre for the children.
The complex currently has 16 occupied units; furnishings include ovens, hot plates, furniture and mattresses if needed, the outdoor gathering area includes horticultural potting beds and a fish-cleaning station.
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