Renovations begin at Herman and Eva Francis's home.

The spray of sawdust fills the air as the renovations  program at Klahose First Nation begins. Supervisor Kevin Peacy (left) is ecstatic about the new developments, "I am so glad to be back working with my family again. Its nice to be home."

Fellow worker, Tim Dalnas shares his vision, "I am happy to be part of improving the community. Its been some time since this kind of work has been done."

The renovations are part of the recent Band Home Assesments that were completed by Mr. Peacy under the direction of the Klahoose Housing Department. Coordinator, Colleen Delorme has begun working on a plan to create a housing committee and update the housing request list. 

"Our housing list needs to be updated, so I will be contacting band members to see who is interested in living on IR#7 in Squirrel Cove." says Colleen.

The warm spring air is filled with sounds of ripping chainsaws and buzzing band saws. Hammers are swinging, cracking the freshly cut western red cedar placing the jigsaw pieces into place.

Traditional builder Murray Mitchell has a smile that reaches the four corners of the newly erected posts. He is beaming as he reflects on the progress at hand, “You know, I really get stressed out about getting every piece just right, but I know we are on the right track.”

New staff member, Troy Silvey see’s the project as a leap frog into building a stronger community. I asked Troy his plans for the future, “This is home for me, I’m moving here. We have a housing shortage but my sisters want to move back to Klahoose as well. I’m glad to be home.”

The canoe project has been going strong all winter. It all started with wood being delivered from the traditional Toba valley last fall. After prepping the site North West of the current band office a local saw operator, Ron Wolda began milling the vast amount of cedar and fir species.

After months of milling and training for many band members, the lumber pile was growing and the site was running out of space.  So Klahoose Administration decided to hire construction supervisor Kevin Peacy to begin using the bounty of wood for renovation projects long overdue.

The project also created an economy at I.R.#7.

“We have a record amount of people employed here at Klahoose. It’s amazing to see so many people on the payroll,” says Band administrator Bev Hills. According to Bev, a large percentage of community members either work at the local level or are employed through the Plutonic Power project in the Traditional Klahoose Lands. “It’s very exciting.” says Bev.

Contact: 250.935.6536 for more information. 

Hello Membership,

I am writing this letter on behalf of Council to convey our appreciation for the opportunity to serve the membership in what has been a remarkable two year run.

We have seen many changes with regard to employment growth, economic growth, education, training opportunities and infrastructure. These are tangible ingredients that build stronger communities and as a result create hope for a better tomorrow.

Our community will no longer be defined by federal programming, lack of opportunity and wounds of the past but instead an understanding that we have control of how we want our future to look. I have seen a shift in the community consciousness and a belief from our people that aboriginal rights and title isn't an academic conversation to be held at ineffectual gatherings in the city amongst other Nations but instead a belief that we must control the resources in our territory. As a result, we honour the past and the many sacrifices made by our ancestors but also ensure we have a stable community for generations to come.

Council's goals and objectives from the inception of our term were to create a strong economy. As a result of this was to create an environment where membership could return home. This concept is now taking shape and coming to fruition.

In closing, we would like to give thanks to our staff who has demonstrated a genuine sense of commitment and pride at the office that has heightened and enriched our working environment.

To Bev Hills, a big thanks for bringing a high level of administrative organization never before seen at the band office. A huge message of thanks also to our membership for giving us the support necessary to fuel our motivation to continue doing the work that has been done to date.

Last but not least, thanks to our elders who have paid the biggest price and paved the way for our Band to be able to arrive at a place where opportunities for our people are abundant. They have seen many changes and been subjected to much disappointment. Thankfully they are playing a pivotal role in changing that by supporting our community’s new journey towards cohesiveness and prosperity.

Chief and Council are honoured to have had the opportunity to serve you.

Warm Regards,
Klahoose Chief and Council