SAY NUTH KHAW YUM PARK – New Democrat MLA Susie Chant and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation are thrilled that the Nation’s vision of constructing a traditional longhouse in Say Nuth Khaw Yum Park is one step closer to becoming a reality.
“I am grateful for all the amazing work that the Tsleil-Waututh Nation has done toward moving this project forward. Their ongoing stewardship of the lands and waters along the Burrard Inlet have restored much of the coastal habitat,” says Susie Chant, MLA for North Vancouver – Seymour. “The funding towards the creation of a Longhouse at Say Nuth Khaw Yum supports the work of creating and maintaining of a culturally appropriate environment that benefits all generations of the Nation.”
The province is supporting the Tsleil-Waututh Nation with technical feasibility studies for the development of a traditional longhouse in the park, located in North Vancouver. The longhouse will also provide cultural connection, educational programming, and a space for gathering and healing.
“Building a Longhouse in Say Nuth Khaw Yum Park has been a longstanding goal for Tsleil-Waututh Nation and has been identified as a priority in the Park Plan,” says Chief Jen Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. “This funding will help us bring our vision to life to have a place to gather, to feast, and for Elders to pass along traditions and cultural knowledge to our youth.”
Say Nuth Khaw Yum Park is spread across the eastern and western shorelines of the upper portion of Indian Arm – an 18 km fjord that extends north from Burrard Inlet in Vancouver. Primarily accessed by water, the 6,689-hectare park is managed collaboratively by BC Parks and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
For over a millennium, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation has continued to use the land, water and resources of Indian Arm, evidenced by pictographs found in the park. Many significant archaeological sites, some thousands of years old, have been found in the area.
The $260,000 contribution from the provincial government will be used to advance work already undertaken by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. This includes conducting site surveys and evaluating locations for the construction and design of the longhouse, along with community engagement.
Quotes:
George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy –
“Since I spent a day visiting Say Nuth Khaw Yum with Tsleil-Waututh guides, I’ve been convinced that the opportunity to learn about the cultural values, history and relationships to this special place, through the eyes of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, would be a huge benefit to not just the Nation, but to all of us. Preserving and honouring the over 1000 years of history in this territory is part of our reconciliation journey to build a better, inclusive future for British Columbia. The partnership between the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and BC Parks shows the value of working together to protect and share the richness history and present-day values of Say Nuth Khaw Yum Park.”
Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation –
“This longhouse at Say Nuth Khaw Yum Park will serve as a significant place of community, education, and healing for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. I raise my hands to the collaborative approach that led this priority landmark which will be key for the Nation’s growth for years to come.”
Learn More:
For more information about Say Nuth Khaw Yum Park, visit https://bcparks.ca/say-nuth-khaw-yum-park-aka-indian-arm-park/
For more information about the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, visit https://twnation.ca/