The Tsleil-Waututh Nation is excited to share that our vision of constructing a traditional Longhouse in Say Nuth Khaw Yum Park (Indian Arm Park) is one step closer to becoming a reality with the support of $260,000 in funding from the B.C. government. The funds will support technical feasibility studies for the development of a traditional Longhouse in the park, which will provide cultural connection, educational programming, and a space for gathering and healing for our community.
“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 Tsleil-Waututh Nation Chief, Jen Thomas. “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.”
“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.”
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 the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and BC Parks.
For over a millennium, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation has continued to use the lands, waters, and resources of Indian Arm, evidenced by pictographs and significant archaeological sites found in the area. Say Nuth Khaw Yum, meaning “Serpent’s Land,” is a key place of cultural and spiritual significance; historically, summer villages and spiritual sites lined every accessible point along the shore, with large winter villages located in the southern area of the park.
The Province’s contribution 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.
