More housing is crucial for the health of his community, said Joey Isnardy, housing manager for Tl’esqox First Nation.
“I’d rather have people come home to a safe place,” Isnardy said. “We have been bringing too many people home in boxes due to addictions and them being homeless.”
Rent and food costs are “ridiculously” high, he said.
“I want to take the weight off of our members’ shoulders.”
On Tuesday, May 7, Isnardy was part of an official ground-breaking for a new four-plex.
It will finally replace a four-plex that burned down more than a decade ago.
Insardy said they have about 38 new homes and are pushing to build more.
“We are looking for lots,” he noted.
Chief Francis Laceese praised Isnardy and the other councillors Jason Houde and Violet Fuller for their efforts.
“It’s a busy time,” Laceese said.
Opening up with prayers and smudging is important, he added.
“It is part of our culture, part of our tradition. “
During the ground-breaking ceremony, community member Roseanne Haller said a prayer and gave an offering.
She stood in the centre of the empty lot where the four-plex will be built.
“Thanks for the people that are coming home,” Haller said. “We thank you Creator for everything that you give us. Thank you Creator for giving us this chance to build and rebuild.”
Chantu William and Loretta Jeff-Combs drummed and sang the Medicine Song to bless all the families returning to the community.
After the ground-breaking, there was a ribbon-cutting at the site of four new five-bedroom homes almost ready for families to move in.
Three are moving in from Williams Lake, including a family who lost their home to a fire at Christmas time.
“The other family is coming back from Alberta,” Isnardy said.
Chief Laceese said the community has also applied for funding to do a solar project and is working with someone from Alberta on a possible wind power project.
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