Around 115 Chawathil First Nation members were at the Chawathil Open House on Wednesday evening (March 19) to get more information about the community's various projects.
Taking place at the Chawathil gym, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. band members visited various booths to learn more about each project and engaged with their community leaders. Many of the projects on display revolve around updating the community's infrastructure, and the booths provided updates on Chawathil's 31-unit housing project, the community wastewater treatment system (community collection and treatment plant) project, a flood construction level project, a greenhouse construction project, and the Chawathil Band Hall renovation project.
Presentations on the wastewater treatment system and the housing project also took place. The housing project is being done through BC Housing, with Nerdy Architect Inc. doing the designs, and construction by Mierau Contractors Ltd. The wastewater treatment system is being done through David Nairne + Associates Ltd., with funding of the construction being covered by Indigenous Services Canada.
In addition to the infrastructure projects, Chawathil members also got the chance to speak with Royal Canadian Bank representatives about switching their banks over from CIBC, which will be closing its Hope branch on Aug. 21.
Band members were also asked to provide their feedback on Bill C-92 and a "Chawathil Law that governs how services are delivered to Chawathil members, along with a service delivery model and a business plan to ensure sustainable funding for the programs that Chawathil members create."
A meeting specifically for community engagement on Bill C-92 will take place for Chawathil members on March 28, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Additionally, members were also asked for their thoughts on future housing policies, especially with regards to the upcoming housing project, and Chawathil's future with regards to the continuing growth and development of its culture.
A drumming ceremony opened up dinner and those dressed in regalia were uplifted. During this time, Chawathil Coun. Monica Florence briefly shared the history surrounding the discrimination Indigenous people faced for wearing their regalia and celebrating their culture.
Attendees also got the chance to tour the band's recently renovated community kitchen, located in the Chawathil gym. The renovation included upgrades to the kitchen's fridges, sink, stove, and counter tops, and has already received positive feedback and comments from community members. One of these comments comes from Gina Kay, the owner of Gina "Kay" tering, who said that the upgrade has already made preparing food much easier for community events.
The next open house for Chawathil will take place in April. For more updates and information regarding it, members are asked to check the Chawathil app and social media.
