This summer alone, a small First Nations community on Vancouver Island announced the purchase of over 1,000 acres of land, announced a potential LNG project and celebrated its growing partnership with Quantum Murray, forming a joint venture called MNQM Contracting Ltd.
Located adjacent to the town of Mill Bay, B.C., approximately 40 kilometres north of Victoria, Malahat Nation’s leadership team is committed to improving the livelihood of its people through these initiatives and more, based on comprehensive community and development plans that are focused on Nation building.
“We are building skills and capacity for our over 300 members, along with providing a resident support network as our community grows and changes,” says CEO Lawrence Lewis. “It is an incredibly exciting time as we identify potential partners and create respectful win-win relationships, with a commitment to two-way communication and active participation by all members.”
The Malahat Nation Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP) was developed in 2013 and acts as the Nation’s governing plan and tool kit. It is focused on short-term and long-term land-use plans and priorities, and is designed to help the Malahat Nation progress toward a future that incorporates social, economic, political and cultural stability.
As part of the CCP, the Malahat Nation identified the need for improved housing, helping to encourage members to return home and enhance the well-being of its residents. To date, nine residences have been constructed, with four under construction and plans for five to be built each year for the next five years.
The Kwunew Kwasun Cultural Resource Centre was also completed in 2014 and provides a place for the community to learn, share their values, rebuild the strengths of their culture and have a space to gather. The Malahat Nation has also developed a 52-week Life Skills Program that focuses on personal life planning for members. The program is steeped in culture and tradition with a focus on milestone moments including a Grade 12 equivalency diploma, a driver’s licence and the execution of a personal life plan. The program has significantly reduced social assistance, and 90 per cent of the people who enter the program have moved into the workplace.
The Malahat Nation also believes that one of the fundamental aspects of success in Nation building is investing in culturally relevant, consistent and fun educational programs for its children. Over the past 12 months the Nation has developed curriculums and programs that highlight the core developmental milestones for children. The Early Years Programs include opportunities for toddlers and school-aged Nation members to learn through play while incorporating traditional teachings, values and language of the Malahat people.
In anticipation of its community growing and thriving, this July the Malahat Nation made the big announcement that, with the help of the First Nations Finance Authority, it purchased the 1,300 acres of land, formerly known as Bamberton, adjacent to its existing lands. The Malahat Nation recently completed a Comprehensive Development Plan that will help it to determine the various uses for the land moving forward. One vision is working with Steelhead LNG in the joint creation of an LNG project.
“As we look for ways to develop and protect the long-term viability of our people and our lands, we will always be respectful regarding our numerous stakeholders and the neighbouring communities of southern Vancouver Island,” says Lewis. “We believe strongly that a prosperous and sustainable Malahat Nation not only is good for our community but serves as a beacon of hope for other nations across B.C.”
