Skawahlook businesses
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Band Administration & Business Development Center
In order to ameliorate the negative impact upon our community members by the current Softwood Tariffs, the Skawahlook First Nation began building a multi-purpose building facility, which was completed in March, 2005. This building provides office space to Band staff members as well as the space needed to operate businesses catering to tourists and local residents alike.
Need for the project
The Skawahlook First Nation Band Administration and Business Development Center project was conceptualized as a response to the need for developing an administrative infrastructure that will provide economic benefits to an otherwise economically depressed community.
A nation of forest workers
Traditionally, Skawahlook First Nation members have found employment in the forestry industry. In fact, generations of Skawahlook First Nation people have made their livelihood by harvesting timber within and near the reserve areas. Most recently, local mills and forest companies employed several Band members as fallers, buckers and machine operators. The new Softwood Tariffs, however, drove employers such as JS Jones out of business, leaving community members without their source of employment and livelihood.
Location
As the Skawahlook First Nation recently acquired over two acres of prime land located along Highway # 7, leaders and community members decided to pursue the building of a multi-purpose facility that would make their long-term aspirations for economic independence a tangible reality. The building is located at the entrance of our community and is surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape of mountains and trees.
Project description
The Skawahlook First Nation envisioned a culturally and ecologically sensitive building that provides office space to Band staff members and the space needed to operate businesses catering to tourists and local residents alike. The community is now operating the following businesses from this center:
1. Ruby Creek Art Gallery
2. Rental Banquet & Meeting Space
3. You've Been Framed - a custom picture framing business.
Community support
This project is the outcome of community consultation undertaken during the past ten years. Community members have directed the new Skawahlook First Nation Chief and Council to engage in a process of social and economic recovery. The directions provided by community members are recorded in the community's 2001 5-Year Strategic Plans.
Sustainable Benefits
The entire Skawahlook First Nation community will benefit from having a Band Administration building that would accommodate the workspace needs of all staff members. The building will help the community achieve its economic development goals in the future.
To communicate questions and/or concerns please contact the Skawahlook First Nation Band Office at (604) 796-9129