Malahat Nation tripled the size of its lands in mid-July when it bought 525 hectares including the former Bamberton industrial site just south of its reserve lands along Saanich Inlet.

The purchase comes as the small nation undergoes something of a building boom for its growing and youthful population.

Chief Michael Harry said the land deal “marks a monumental moment for the future of the Malahat” adding that the purchase “helps to restore more of our traditional lands into our stewardship.” “We are moving forward to develop and protect the long-term viability of our people and our lands, while respecting our relationship with the neighbouring communities of southern Vancouver Island,” he said.

The land purchase, which some estimated at $37.5 million, involved Malahat leaders and senior staff undertaking more than a year of negotiations between the sellers and First Nations Finance Authority, which helped finance the deal.

Malahat plans to explore opportunities for the newly acquired lands including tourism, light industry, housing and maritime development opportunities.

Chief Harry with Elder Esther Harry

Malahat Nation’s 2012 comprehensive community plan is the guides principles and values. It is designed to help the nation exercise its sovereignty and make progress toward a future that incorporates social, economic, political, cultural growth, and wealth.

As part of that plan, the nation identified the need for improved housing. It helped members return home and since 2012 nine homes were constructed, with four others being built with plans for five more each year for the next five years.

Plans … for life!

Jason Canute and Heather Harry

At the centre of the lands announcement on July 17 was a group of young people from Malahat who, with community support, created Life Plans for themselves and their families.

Those plans focused on their goals for careers, education and family. They devised strategies for reaching those goals. Many became involved in learning traditional art forms while building marketable skills to enhance employment opportunities.

About 30 members from the relatively remote community earned their drivers licenses over the past three years, paving the way to access education and jobs in the Cowichan Valley and beyond.

Chief Michael Harry raised his hands honouring the efforts of the entire community and also praised those who help make the nation’s decisions. “I would like to thank everyone from Malahat for giving back the way that they do. We value the input and put it to use. “I want to thank my council – Dean Harry and Russell Harry – for standing beside me all the time and Lawrence Lewis (the nation’s chief executive) for helping to keep us on track with our goals.”

More information is at www.malahatnation.ca or www.nationbuilding.ca