By David Wiwchar

Tseshaht focus on economic development

Sep 20, 2024 | 7:47 AM

The Tseshaht First Nation is poised to re-establish their role as major economic drivers in the Alberni Valley.

The First Nation signed an incremental economic reconciliation deal with the province that will provide Tseshaht with $16.5 million over 4 years.

Chief Councillor Wawmeesh Ken Watts says when combined with last year’s $5 million grant for housing, they can begin working on plans for the future

“It’s going to help contribute to creating wealth for our Nation so that we can be self-sufficient,” he said. “It’s going to help create jobs for our community. It’s an exciting day. This provides us with the pathway to a better life for people.”

Watts said planning has begun on housing development projects, a Microtel, an economic park adjacent to the Tseshaht Market, as well as funding for their logging and drone businesses.

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While the agreement is not a treaty, Watts says it resolves a previous forestry issue surrounding the logging of parts of the Nahmint Valley.