Kwiakah Nation Will Establish a Research and Development Centre in Phillips Arm
The Centre of Excellence will drive research and development to drive economic growth and environmental stewardship, while also reestablishing Kwiakah Nation’s presence in their core territory.
Overview
Kwiakah Nation will establish the Kwiakah Centre of Excellence, a multi-faceted research and development hub near Matsayno, Phillips Arm. By renovating a former fish farm site, this initiative will transform existing infrastructure into a sustainable venue.
The Kwiakah Nation aims to become a leader in the stewardship-based economy, welcoming opportunities for training, investment, and business development. The new facility will focus on practical solutions for marine and land-based ecosystems.
The Trust is committing their investment through its Capital and Innovation program towards the project for its focus on Innovation and Technology.
Community Wellbeing
Once complete, the Kwiakah Centre of Excellence will become a base for activities including a research centre, an experimental kelp farm, and a territorial Guardian program. The redevelopment also aims to leverage the site’s unique location to attract further investment and facilitate scientific, social, and economic progress.
Media Contacts
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
236-308-1570
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
Frank Voelker
Band Administrator
250-923-1556
frankvoelker@kwiakah.com
Project Details
Project Impact
The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.
Economic Prosperity
The Centre aims to create direct and indirect economic benefits for the Kwiakah Nation and surrounding communities in the southern Great Bear Rainforest.
The Centre’s partnerships with academic institutions are expected to attract funding to support ongoing operational costs and growth. Once operational, kelp farm expansions have the potential to create significant revenue streams through growing seaweed product market and carbon credits.
Climate Resiliency
The Kwiakah Centre of Excellence is an innovative new use of existing infrastructure with significant environmental benefits. The restoration will replace diesel generators with solar power, avoiding 10,000 litres of annual diesel use.
Further ecological benefits will be realized through its research and experimental facilities, involving innovation in regenerative forestry and carbon sequestration.
Cultural Vitality
Kwiakah First Nation members were displaced from Matsayno in the 1930s and the Centre of Excellence will be the first permanent facility to reestablish their presence in the Nation’s core territory.
Establishing the Centre is creating excitement and support within Kwiakah membership, and the initiative will facilitate cultural exchange and learning through collaboration.
By integrating traditional ecological knowledge into the research and stewardship activities, the Centre will offer a model for culturally informed environmental management.
Image Gallery
Kwiakah First Nation has been displaced from their traditional territories in Phillips Arm for nearly 100 years. Photo courtesy of Frank Voelker, Band Manager and Economic Development Officer, Kwiakah First Nation