First Nations will see more sovereignty and stability through the purchase of a Campbell River building.
Tiičma Enterprises, an Indigenous economic development corporation, has bought a building at 1250 Ironwood Street, securing a permanent place for governance, business operations, and community services that would support local First Nations.
Island Coastal Economic Trust, who invested $200,000 into this initiative, says the Nations originally leased the building for five years.
“It created opportunities for community engagement, member services, and a sense of connection for citizens living in the city,” said the Trust.
“Three years ago, Tiičma Enterprises joined the space. This helped expand its business operations and created new employment opportunities for Nation members in both Campbell River and the Nation’s core territory.”
Enterprises CEO Gary Wilson says their citizens are happy with the change, adding for many the space is a home away from home.
“It also allows for several touch points for the businesses and the community,” said Wilson. “Now all of our staff and managers have office space, where we just couldn’t do that before.”
With this purchase, they plan to build a cold storage for traditional food distribution, as well as a business incubator to support the Nation’s entrepreneurs with mentorship, training, and shared office infrastructure.
The goal of this purchase is to provide a space that will bring a stronger economic future for the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:kles7et’h’ First Nations.
