Our House of Clans breaks ground

In late 2018, tsain-ko Properties applied for and was awarded $6.8 million from the BC Indigenous Housing Fund to address the need for affordable housing on the Sunshine Coast. Plans began in January 2019 for a multi-purpose building that would take a unique approach to social responsibility and reconciliation. Beginning with the name itself, the project celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the shíshálh people, the interdependence and cooperation of the five clans (Bear, Frog, Orca, Wolf, Eagle).
“shíshálh Council is excited to be breaking ground on this sensational project,” said Chief Warren Paull. “Our House of Clans will be an impressive building and is the precursor of good things to come for the shíshálh people. Our House of Clans will provide much-needed housing for our elders, single families and people with disabilities. Additionally, it will feature artwork by shíshálh people and provide our community shared gathering spaces, such as a community kitchen, that we know will be well used. This project is a fine example of what can happen when we work together.”
The project is a joint effort by tsain-ko Properties, tsain-ko Housing Society, the shíshálh Nation, community partners, and the Province of BC. It will include 34 affordable housing units situated off the highway in the lot between Raven’s Cry Theatre and Big Mac’s.
“The Our House of Clans development is a meaningful step forward for reconciliation, where partners have come together to turn the site of a former residential school into something positive and hopeful for the future,” said Murray Rankin, BC’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “Through partnerships like these, together we can support the health and wellbeing of shíshálh members and Elders, while always remembering the past, promoting healing and honouring residential school survivors, their families and communities.” Submitted