Our Future

Nenagawas Plan

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Starting January 2026, the Tlowitsis’ new 635-acre community, Nenagwas, came to life with the opening of the new office building where the Nation’s administration now operates from.

Throughout 2025, members will begin to move into new housing units varying in sizes from Elders’ homes and family units of two and three bedrooms, and eventually single units. For more information on the Nenagwas project in detail, click below.

The long-term vision for Nenagwas and the future of the Tlowitsis follows a three-phased plan between 2025 into 2060. Eventually when completed the new community will include:

Homes

With housing the Nation’s priority, construction of 15 units at a time will take place for members in Phases 1 and 2, ultimately seeing around 180 homes built.

Community Health & Education

Health centre, recreational fields, community gardens & orchard, smoke house, gymnasium, schools, daycare, playground, parks, community walking path, self-sustaining water supply.

Culture

A Big House (or ceremonial house), carving studio, outdoor gathering space, cold storage, processing, and distribution abilities for traditional foods (elk meat, salmon, shellfish), traditional/medicinal plant processing.

Revenue Streams

Mini mall, mini storage, rental units.

Amenities

Fire department, wastewater treatment, storage warehouse, public works, pump house.

Treaty Process

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Tlowitsis Nation is in Stage 5 of negotiating a treaty independently in the B.C. treaty process. It is also part of the Nanwakolas Council which negotiates land use and marine planning agreements, as well as economic development initiatives on behalf of its member bands outside of the B.C. treaty process.

Learn More

ICAHS:

The future of the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences

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Tlowitsis Nation is one of three Nations, alongside Wei Wai Kum and We Wai Kai FirstNations, that now govern the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences (CAHS) lab in Campbell River, BC. CAHS is an Indigenous-led, independent ISO accredited lab that has been delivering aquatic health screening and diagnostics in Campbell River for 20 years and is currently in the process of transitioning into ICAHS, the Indigenous Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences and Stewardship.

By braiding Indigenous ecological knowledges with Western science methodology, the evolution of CAHS to ICAHS will provide First Nations like Tlowitsis with a more holistic, data-driven overview of what is happening in their territories. Scientists will work with and train Guardians to help build Nations’ science capacities while growing their stewardship programs and economic diversification.

Located in North Vancouver Island, a hub for marine industries, ICAHS will ensure First Nations can make informed solutions for evolving marine conditions, ocean management planning, and economic opportunities.

When the transition from CAHS to ICAHS is complete, the centre will be an independent, inclusive science, stewardship, training, and cultural facility that supports:

  • Indigenous-led and territory-based oceanic science
  • Ecosystem health
  • Wild salmon revitalization
  • Application of Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge to Western science
  • Food security
  • Food safety
  • Capacity building
  • Marine stewardship & oversight
  • Climate action
  • Knowledge & data sharing
  • Nation-to-Nation dialogue
  • Economic self-determination
  • Data sovereignty

First Nations like the Tlowitsis are looking to advance their opportunities to lead independent scientific monitoring and research in their traditional territories, while becoming self-determining in managing their resources, economies, and communities for future generations.

Learn More About CAHS and its Services