Naas a to aks "Place of the Rising Sun" cultural and economic hub will transform the Ts'uubaa-asatx First Nation waterfront into a venue for cultural expression and business opportunity.
Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation is creating a new cultural and economic hub that will reshape their waterfront into a year-round destination. The new facilities, Naas a to aks “Place of the Rising Sun”, will include two pavilions, a main stage for cultural and community events, and a secondary stage for musical performances. Additional space designed to host food trucks and artisan markets is also included in the plans.
The project aims to enhance existing amenities, which include a marina, beach, park, and local trails, to create a vibrant socio-economic hub.
Island Coastal Economic Trust is investing in this initiative through its Capital and Innovation Program, recognizing it’s focus on Cultural and Nature Based Tourism.
The Naas a to aks “Place of the Rising Sun” project enjoys formal support from Chief and Council, along with collaborating local partners that look forward to the new economic opportunities unlocked by the initiatives.
Using a flexible business model, which includes event ticket sales, artisan rental fees, and food truck fees, the project will develop diversified income sources, while also building valuable partnerships with local businesses to strengthen community wellbeing.
Economic Prosperity: By creating a year-round cultural hub, the project will increase visitor spending and support local businesses. The hub will provide opportunities for new businesses to open and existing businesses – including Kaatza Adventures, wedding service businesses, and food trucks – to expand.
Social Empowerment: Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation expects the new facility to create multiple jobs, including one permanent, fulltime coordinator role to develop a site schedule, vet potential vendors, manage ongoing promotions, and more. In addition to this key role, three seasonal full-time jobs are expected during the peak summer season.
Temporary constructions jobs will also be created, focusing on local trades people and contractors.
Cultural Vitality: The project is focused on providing a dedicated venue for Indigenous performances, arts, and language revitalization. Designed around two stages, with an accompanying marketplace, there will be ample space for both cultural expression and knowledge sharing.
The project will also include interpretive signage and educational programming to help visitors gain stronger cultural understanding and appreciation.
Climate Resiliency: Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation is a firestart community, which will factor into the design and implementation of the new cultural and economic hub. The construction project will also follow low impact practices, while prioritizing locally sourced or recycled materials.
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
Aaron Hamilton
Operations Manager
Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation
aaron@lcfn.ca
1-250-749-3301
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in November 2024 through the Capital and Innovation program.
As we work toward inclusive and resilient economic futures, we do so with a deep appreciation for the histories, contributions, and rights of the Kwak̓wala/Bakwam’kala, Nuučaa̓nuɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda'xw, Pəntl'áč, She shashishalhem, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Skwxwú7mesh, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
