Homalco Nation acquires house at Homathko Camp
For Immediate Release- August 7, 2020
Yesterday the Homalco Nation celebrated the purchase of the house at Homathko camp, creating a permanent presence in the heart of their territory.
The Homathko camp is located at the head of Bute inlet where Homalco is currently logging in partnership with A&A. The residence was built by Chuck and Sharen Burchill over thirty years ago. The camp at Homathko includes a power generation station, vegetable garden with a greenhouse and a number of outbuildings.
“This is Homalco re-establishing a permanent foothold in the heart of our territory, said Chief Darren Blaney talking about the acquisition. “We are expanding our presence in Orford so expanding in Homathko was a natural next step for us to take. Homathko is a very special place for us and the site of many of our stories told since time immemorial. Today’s purchase is the beginning of a whole new set of opportunities for our Nation.”
Homalco has three reserves in and around Homathko, including its largest at 700 acres. Chief Darren Blaney, Councillor John Blaney, Health Director (Lorraine Harry), Comprehensive Community Planner (Jeannie Hill), Tourism Manager (JP Obbagy) and Administrator (Sue Hanley) made the 3 hour boat trip to meet with the Burchills and sign the agreement.
“When we learned that the home was for sale, we knew we had to act quickly,” said Jeannie Hill. “Today was the first time I’ve been here and as soon as I stepped ashore, I realized that I had already dreamed this place. Our ancestors are here, and I just know this will be a powerful site of healing for our citizens.”
The Nation plans to utilize the house as a base to offer healing services and to expand tourism, fisheries and forestry operations.
“We look forward to re-establishing our traditional relationship with our Tŝilhqot’in neighbours just over the mountains, and to taking a bigger role in the management of our territory,” said Chief Blaney “We envision a future where Homalco takes over the whole camp at Homathko.”
For media interviews please call
Chief Darren Blaney
250-203-2566
