The return of her family’s land at the southern foot of Burrard Bridge is a kind of return home for Squamish Nation Elder Syexwáliya Ann Whonnock.
Her great-grandfather Shinnullsutt and great-grandmother lived on the site before 1913, when the government sent peasants to the North Shore in a barge and burned down their homes so Vancouver could expand.
“This is something really important to us,” she told Global News. “I am really grateful and happy that we can return … and be able to take care of my grandchildren and their unborn children.”
Squamish Nation is struggling to rebuild its land and is now the developer of a massive new housing project on the site.
1:55 Squamish Nation approves major development in Vancouver Squamish Nation approves major development in Vancouver – December 11, 2019
On Wednesday, the nation signed a service agreement with the city of Vancouver for the planned development of Sen̓áḵw. The project is a partnership with Westbank to build up to 11 towers with 6,000 rental units – up to 1,200 of which are available, including 250 for Squamish Nation members.
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“This is historic in the context of years of broken relationships,” said Squamish Nation Board Chairman Khelsilem.
Read more: Squamish Nation approves construction of 11 towers near Burrard Bridge
Helsilem said municipalities have often used service agreements to limit the development of reserve lands and deny the ability of First Nations to generate wealth, but not this time.
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“It didn’t go through a competitive approach, it didn’t go through a legal approach, it went through a joint approach as equals,” he said.
1:54 The development of Squamish First Nations Vancouver is doubling in size. The development of Squamish First Nations in Vancouver doubles – November 5, 2019.
Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart said Wednesday’s agreement brings the project closer to reality.
“This is a key step in moving this development forward so that it provides all the water, utilities, electricity, fire, police services to this community,” he said.
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The feedback on development is generally positive, but some Kitsilano Point residents are concerned about the planned trip through Vanier Park.
Helsilem said the multi-billion dollar project design was not a done deal. As it is on Squamish land, the development of the 11.7-acre plot does not require any approval from the city of Vancouver.
The final agreement comes after the council approved the development of Heather Lands on Tuesday.
Read more: Squamish Nation doubles proposed kits to 11 towers, 6K units
The project will include hundreds of highly affordable social housing and 8.5-hectare rental housing in South Vancouver, managed by the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations.
“These lands that have been stolen from you and that you carry this incredible gift, I believe in a fantastic development and show us how it can be done and lead the way,” Green Cohen said. That’s what Pete Fry said at Tuesday’s meeting.
The city is also currently considering two mixed-use proposals and high towers on 36 acres of Jericho Lands in West Point Gray, owned by the same three first nations.
“Our goal and vision has always been that we want to take full control … and educate our children where they can be construction workers, property managers,” said Musqueam chief Wayne Sparrow.
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Professor Tom Davidoff of UBC’s Sauder School of Business said the involvement of the First Nations seems to have helped generate the political will to move projects forward.
“It’s a great partnership because the city needs density. “Politics is difficult, but I think politics is easier when the first three nations are involved,” he said.
Squamish Nation is finalizing funding for Sen̓áḵw and hopes to begin construction later this year.
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