September 20, 2024 – New Aiyansh – The Nisga’a Nation has successfully been allocated funding from BC Housing’s Indigenous Housing Fund for three new apartment projects. Through these projects, the Nisga’a Nation will add 67 new affordable rental homes to Nisga’a Lands.
Village of Laxgalts’ap Density Relief Project:
30 bachelor to 2-bedroom units for individuals, couples, small families, and Elders capable of independent living, located within the new 2-Alder Drive subdivision. Amenity space, community garden plots, and building materials storage spaces are included in the building.
Village of Gitwinksihlkw Apartments Project:
15 adaptable and fully accessible 1 to 2-bedroom affordable rental units located within Lot 64, Ts’oohl Ts’ap Avenue, beside the Village’s health centre. Large gathering and amenity space, a dedicated cultural kitchen, community garden plots, and building materials storage spaces are included in the building.
Village of New Aiyansh Multi-Family Apartments Project:
22 1 to 3-bedroom units for families, individuals, and Elders capable of Independent Living, located beside a future Residential Care project on Lot 275, Gosnell Place. Amenity space, community garden plots, scooter and wheelchair storage, and building materials storage spaces are included in the building.
Quotes:
“It is a great day for the Nisga’a Nation to see the wonderful work coming to fruition for three of the four Nisga’a Villages. By adding this much new housing to our communities, we are tackling housing challenges bit by bit with our Treaty Partners, and M’akola Development Services. On behalf of the Nisga’a Lisims Government, job well done to our Capital and Housing Team and Nisga’a Villages’ representatives. This announcement proves that when we work together, we can achieve great things to support our most vulnerable and address the needs and dreams of our communities as they diversify our assets for the future.” -Eva Clayton, President of Nisga’a Nation.
“The Nisga’a Village of Laxgaltsʼap recognizes housing is a critical infrastructure investment for our people. This major project is another milestone that demonstrates our ability to continue expanding our community and will contribute to our vision of growing our economy with increased local amenities.” – Donald Leeson, Chief Councillor, Nisga’a Village of Laxgalts’ap
“As the largest of the Nisga’a Nation Villages, the Nisga’a Village of New Aiyansh has a huge waiting list for rental units which has resulted in families moving to urban centers to accommodate their housing needs. Our 22-unit apartment complex will meet the needs of many young families and bring them back home. This new housing project will continue to align with our vision statement – A vibrant harmonious community walking together into a brighter future.” – Calvin Morven, Chief Councillor, Nisga’a Village of New Aiyansh
“Gitwinksihlkw lands are abundant, offering rich cultural history and a dramatic natural setting, however, our buildable space is limited as a result. By densifying our housing, we will preserve our Lands while creating more spaces for our knowledge-keepers to share their teachings. These new units provide room for growth, create opportunities for our families to move back home, boost our economy, and be self-sustaining.” – Elaine Moore, Chief Councillor, Nisga’a Village of Gitwinksihlkw
