The Centre of Excellence will drive research and development to drive economic growth and environmental stewardship, while also reestablishing Kwiakah Nation’s presence in their core territory.
Kwiakah Nation will establish the Kwiakah Centre of Excellence, a multi-faceted research and development hub near Matsayno, Phillips Arm. By renovating a former fish farm site, this initiative will transform existing infrastructure into a sustainable venue.
The Kwiakah Nation aims to become a leader in the stewardship-based economy, welcoming opportunities for training, investment, and business development. The new facility will focus on practical solutions for marine and land-based ecosystems.
The Trust is committing their investment through its Capital and Innovation program towards the project for its focus on Innovation and Technology.
Once complete, the Kwiakah Centre of Excellence will become a base for activities including a research centre, an experimental kelp farm, and a territorial Guardian program. The redevelopment also aims to leverage the site’s unique location to attract further investment and facilitate scientific, social, and economic progress.
Economic Prosperity: The Centre aims to create direct and indirect economic benefits for the Kwiakah Nation and surrounding communities in the southern Great Bear Rainforest.
The Centre’s partnerships with academic institutions are expected to attract funding to support ongoing operational costs and growth. Once operational, kelp farm expansions have the potential to create significant revenue streams through growing seaweed product market and carbon credits.
Social Empowerment: The project is expected to create 12 full-time equivalent jobs within research, kelp farming, forestry management, and administrative roles. It’s also anticipated that seasonal and part-time employment opportunities, in kelp harvesting and environmental monitoring, will increase employment opportunities.
The facility will also serve as a learning hub, allowing participants to gain valuable skills and certifications in clean economy sectors.
Climate Resiliency: The Kwiakah Centre of Excellence is an innovative new use of existing infrastructure with significant environmental benefits. The restoration will replace diesel generators with solar power, avoiding 10,000 litres of annual diesel use.
Further ecological benefits will be realized through its research and experimental facilities, involving innovation in regenerative forestry and carbon sequestration.
Cultural Vitality: Kwiakah First Nation members were displaced from Matsayno in the 1930s and the Centre of Excellence will be the first permanent facility to reestablish their presence in the Nation’s core territory.
Establishing the Centre is creating excitement and support within Kwiakah membership, and the initiative will facilitate cultural exchange and learning through collaboration.
By integrating traditional ecological knowledge into the research and stewardship activities, the Centre will offer a model for culturally informed environmental management.
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
236-308-1570
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
Frank Voelker
Band Administrator
250-923-1556
frankvoelker@kwiakah.com
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in November 2024 through the Capital and Innovation program.
We work in reciprocal relationships with coastal communities across the ancestral territories of the Kwak̓wala, Nuučaan̓uɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda'xw, Pəntl'áč, She shashishalhem, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
