Economic Partnership for Reconciliation & Cultural Recognition
Kwakiutl First Nation with Traditional Territory in Northern Vancouver Island near Port Hardy has a unique opportunity. With the Canadian Government’s investment in a new 12-million-dollar airport in the community, the Kwakiutl Band has been proactive in making this economic development project a part of Canada’s commitment to Reconciliation. By entering into dialogue with the Ministry of Transportation, Kwakiutl representatives stressed that the views of the Kwakiutl First Nation needed to be respected and inclusive. This lead to an agreement to erect signs of welcome in the Kwak-wala language, cultural displays, as well as $125,000 investment of art from Kwakiutl band members, including totem poles in the airport entrance, and a mural projected onto the terminal floor.
Entrepreneurial/Project Outlook:
- Kwakiutl First Nation representatives took this economic development opportunity to stress that their involvement should be a part of Canada’s commitment to Reconciliation and cultural recognition
- The main contractor for the project, Kinetic Construction Ltd., also promised that most of the employment opportunities would go to the Kwakiutl First Nation when possible
- This is a prime example of Reconciliation – when people get together, respect and understand each others’ views, this can have a lasting impact and legacy through the auspices of the notion of Reconciliation
