Nenagwas
Since the Tlowitsis were displaced from Kalagwees in the late 1960s, we have been a First Nation without a formal community to call home, leading our people to be culturally and physically separated from our traditional territories
The search for a new home is now over.
Progress
After decades with no community after displacement from Kalagwees in the 1960s, in the spring of 2018 the Tlowitsis finalized the purchase of a 635-acre property south of Campbell River using revenue from the Nation’s forestry operations. Nenagwas was the name chosen by Tlowtisis’ citizens which in kwakwala means, “a place to come home to.”
Over the first several years, key infrastructure was installed: roads, underground cables, pipes, a wastewater treatment plant, water towers, and a pumphouse, to name a few.
Construction on the first 15 homes began in late 2025, as well as the administration building, carving studio, and a two-storey facility for youth.
As of spring 2026, Nenagwas features:
- 20 new rental housing units on the go; 5 are completed:
- 5 others are 60% completed
- 5 units are behind; but 5 more have started
- Carving Studio completed
- 2-storey youth housing building almost complete
- Second administrative building open
- Warehouse is completed
We are looking forward to the first Tlowitsis citizens moving in later this year. For us, Nenagwas means a new beginning for our people. After centuries of loss, oppression and a systematic attack on our basic human rights, Nenagwas will give us the opportunity to come together as a people once again – governing ourselves, making decisions about our land, people and culture as a community and as a Nation. For us, Nenagwas is an opportunity for the Tlowitsis to reconnect and revive elements of our culture – and first and foremost, our language. It’s a historic opportunity for the Tlowitsis to know who we are again. With Nenagwas, we have a chance to create a new future for our citizens.
Timeline
Next Steps
By the end of 2026, there should be 30 homes completed and residents living in the community. In time, depending on revenue streams and other factors, construction will begin on a Big House and health centre.
When Nenagwas is fully completed there will be:
- Homes: Roughly 180 homes for Elders, families, and single citizens will be completed throughout a 3-phase timeline. First 30 homes completed in 2025.
- Community Health: Health centre, recreational fields, community gardens & orchard, gymnasium, schools, playground, parks, self-sustaining water supply.
- Culture: A Big House (or ceremonial house), carving studio, outdoor gathering space, cold storage for traditional foods (elk meat, salmon, shellfish).
- Revenue: Mini mall, mini storage, rental units.
- Amenities: Fire department, waste-water treatment, storage warehouse, public works, pump house.
Building Nenagwas
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Forests and fish farms build Nenagwas: Revenue from forestry purchased the land. Ongoing own-source revenue from forestry and salmon aquaculture continues to help build homes, infrastructure, and amenities for the Nation.
Due to the remoteness of Tlowitsis’ core traditional territory and a lack of community, the Nation’s economic opportunities are few and based on natural resources in the territory: forestry, salmon aquaculture, and mining activities. The Tlowitsis currently own two businesses that support salmon aquaculture.
The Nation believes there is a balance between economic opportunity and ecological conservation. Guardians, traditional knowledge, and Western science gather data and information so the Nation can make informed decisions for conservation and economic opportunities in the territory.
While the federal government provides some subsidies for houses being built, it is revenue from the territory that mainly funds the construction and advancement of Nenagwas and its amenities.