The new 7,000-square-foot Somass Hall will replace the previous community hall, which was demolished in 2019 after it was deemed unsafe for use.
The federal government’s $3.4-million investment in a new community hall for the Port Alberni-based Tseshaht First Nation is a “welcome signal of hope” at a time when need is at an all-time high for members, says the elected chief.
Last month, the First Nation began scanning for unmarked graves on lands that were once part of the residential school, which operated between 1900 and 1973. Somass Hall will include commercial kitchen facilities, breakout and storage rooms, washrooms, modern heating, air conditioning and electrical systems, a parking lot and landscaping around the site.
“The new building will provide cultural opportunities for all Nuu-chah-nulth peoples and much-needed programming for the youth, elders, children, and families of the Tseshaht First Nation,” the statement said.