The Songhees Economic Development Strategy will combine insights from a recent labour market study with extensive community engagement to identify priority sectors, partnership and acquisition opportunities, and the governance and policy tools needed to strengthen investment readiness.
This initiative builds on foundational work undertaken by the Songhees Nation in recent years. After completing a Regional Labour Market Study alongside the University of Victoria, Royal Roads University, South Island Prosperity Partnership, and the Indigenous Prosperity Centre, the Nation is now prepared to develop a Five-Year Economic Development and Diversification Strategic Plan.
The Songhees Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the Songhees Nation, advances Nation-owned enterprises, partnerships, and economic diversification initiatives that support sustainable, self-determined economic development.
The new Strategic Plan provide a roadmap for future investment and acquisition, defining priority sectors for growth, identifying partnership opportunities, establishing governance and policy frameworks, and aligning economic objectives with regional priorities. With this Strategy, the Nation will be positioned to pursue opportunity, strengthen capacity, and foster long-term prosperity for Songhees members.
The Trust is investing in the Framework through the Investment Readiness Program, in line with its Investment Priorities of Entrepreneurs and Local Businesses.
Wellbeing Impact
The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.
This Strategic Plan will help Songhees First Nation identify opportunities, enhance investment readiness, and strengthen Indigenous participation regionally.
Economic Prosperity
The project will strengthen economic prosperity through:
Social Empowerment
The project will promote social empowerment by:
Climate Resiliency
The project will contribute to climate resiliency by:
Cultural Vitality
The project will strengthen cultural vitality by:
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.
