Coming Home: Kwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Ha̱xwa’mis Invest in Solar Power, Infrastructure in Gwa’yas’dums

Photo Credit: Charge Solar. Retrieved from coastfunds.ca

In Gwa’yas’dums, the Kwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Ha̱xwa’mis are seeing the results of strong, community-led planning and thoughtful investments in infrastructure and services that will support future generations to return home.

Kwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Ha̱xwa’mis First Nation leaders and members have come together around a shared vision for revitalizing the village of Gwa’yas’dums, the Nation’s main community. The village, located on the west side of Gilford Island in what’s known as the Broughton Archipelago, is a small, close-knit community nestled between dense rainforest and shell-laced shoreline.

Since releasing its AWARD-WINNING comprehensive community plan in 2006, KHFN has invested in new housing, a modern health and administration building, tourism infrastructure, and a 221 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) and 1.1 MWh battery microgrid to deliver clean electricity to the village. The Nation is also working to secure funding and complete complementary projects that will improve access to drinking water, restore and protect the foreshore, and build a sustainable local economy.

These important projects come after decades of underinvestment by colonial governments, which left the community with poor housing, unsafe drinking water, and a lack of access to schools and services. Under these conditions, many people had no choice but to leave, and the village’s population declined. Today, KHFN has 270 members and between 30 and 70 people live in Gwa’yas’dums, depending on the season.

To reverse course, the Nation is working with partners to invest in renewable energy, community infrastructure, and sustainable economic ventures. These efforts are revitalizing Gwa’yas’dums and – most importantly – making it possible for more Kwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Ha̱xwa’mis people to return home.