Ken Watts (Wahmeesh), Elected Chief Councillor of the Tseshaht First Nation
PORT ALBERNI/TSESHAHT FIRST NATION – The Federal Government has announced an investment of more than $3.4 million in a new community hall for the Tseshaht First Nation, who is investing over $1.1 million in this project.
This funding will support the construction of an approximately 7,000 square foot building to replace the community hall—a pillar of the Tseshaht community—which was demolished in 2019 after being deemed unsafe for use. The new Somass Hall will include commercial kitchen facilities, breakout and storage rooms, washrooms, modern HVAC and electrical systems, a parking lot, and landscaping around the site. Once complete, the hall will be a cornerstone of the growing community, giving residents a space for gathering, learning, and recreation. The new building will provide cultural opportunities for all Nuu-chah-nulth peoples and much-needed programming for the youth, elders, children, and families of the Tseshaht First Nation.
“Tseshaht First Nation thank the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia for supporting our community with this very important infrastructure investment to build a new community facility to replace the old Somass Hall that was been deemed unsafe for use and was previously deconstructed. Our Nation is experiencing the compounding impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficult work we must undertake with respect to the Alberni Indian Residential School (AIRS). This investment is a welcome signal of hope when need is at an all-time high for children, youth, elders, community members, residential school survivors, and many others. A new Somass Hall is a great investment that supports Tseshaht and Nuu-chah-nulth communities; and has broader positive economic impacts for the City of Port Alberni and our entire region. Kleco, Kleco (thank you),” said Ken Watts (Wahmeesh), Elected Chief Councillor of the Tseshaht First Nation.
The Government of Canada’s funding comes from the Community, Culture, and Recreation Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.