The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, was joined today by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Council Chairperson Khelsilem on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw traditional territory to announce the federal government will provide $1.4 billion to create nearly 3,000 homes on traditional lands in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood. This project is the largest First Nations economic partnership and the largest loan from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in Canadian history.
These funds will support Sen̓áḵw, an on-reserve residential and commercial development project that will be owned and operated by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). Sen̓áḵw, “the place inside the head of False Creek,” is located on land that was forcibly taken away from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) in the early 1900s and returned by the courts in 2003. The ancient Sen̓áḵw village, located on this land, was burned down and the people who lived there were forced to relocate.
When complete, the Sen̓áḵw development project will feature striking Coast Salish architecture and design across a ten-acre site, over half of which will be publicly accessible, with green spaces, parks, and plazas. Everyone in the community, Indigenous or non-Indigenous, will be able to live at Sen̓áḵw. Sen̓áḵw’s vision will demonstrate how humanity and nature can co-exist, and the development aims to be the largest net-zero residential project in the country. In addition to thousands of rental units, including affordable units, the project is expected to create hundreds of good jobs and long-term economic opportunities for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). Construction is already underway, with the first residents expected to move in in 2025.
With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada is supporting Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw’s (Squamish Nation) long-term vision for the Sen̓áḵw lands, while helping to define a new generation of First Nations reconciliation and leadership, grow our economy, and create good jobs. We will continue to work together to advance meaningful reconciliation, including economic reconciliation, and ensure everyone has a safe place to call home.
