Building of a New community for Ahousaht First Nation

Hundreds of Ahousaht members have been living in the Alberni Valley (for four generations!), still very much tied to family and relations in their ancestral home on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, but without a central place to live or celebrate culture in Port Alberni.

That is changing, thanks to an incredible vision and partnership to build 35 affordable homes, an outdoor gathering space and playground, and a cultural centre in the former site of Glenwood Elementary School in Port Alberni.

Ahousaht First Nation leaders first seized the vision of building homes for their members living in the Alberni Valley a few years ago. They formed the Čitaapi Mahtii Housing Society, to follow traditional protocols and seek the partnerships needed to build these homes.

They conducted Nuu-chah-nulth protocols and sought the blessing of the Hupacasath and Tseshaht nations (in whose territories these new homes will be built). They worked with the City of Port Alberni to secure land (donated by the City) and establish the proper zoning.

They developed a dedicated team of professionals - from architects to development specialists - and they secured seed funding from CMHC before successfully applying for $6.4 million

Congratulations to Ahousaht First Nation, the Čitaapi Mahtii Housing Society, Josie Osborne and the BC NDP government, Sharie Minions - Port Alberni Mayor, her Council and City staff and the Port Alberni Friendship Centre for making this happen. It will make a difference to many lives and many families for generations to come!

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