Vernon Matters, November 3, 2011:

A North Okanagan First Nation has announced plans for a new housing project, the second one this year.

Splatsin will be constructing a new independent care facility early next year featuring two buildings, 12 suites, and a community gathering space. The facility, located in the Lassertie Subdivision off Enderby Grindrod Road, is expected to be completed by August 2022.

Splatsin will be hiring a live-in caregiver to assist Splatsin Elders with non-medical tasks such as lifting heavy objects and cleaning.

“Housing, and specifically housing for Elders, was identified as a need in our Comprehensive Community Plan,” said Kukpi7 (Chief) Wayne Christian. “Long before Europeans moved to our land, we had our own type of dwellings known as c7istktan (pit house). Our homes were built in such a way that our people interacted with each other. In some ways, this new facility represents that — some of our Elders in one area living together supporting one another.”   Christian said the facility will provide on-reserve housing for 11 Elders.

This is the second housing project announced by Splatsin this year. In April, the community announced a 10-unit complex which is now nearing completion.  This project is being paid for by the community’s Splatsin Development Corporation (SDC) which manages the economic interests of the Splatsin People throughout Secwepemcúl̓ecw (Shuswap).