Honouring the Land, Exploring Opportunities

 Building Trust-Based Indigenous Partnerships

A conversation about the future of development would not be complete without including the invaluable Indigenous perspective. Exploring the potential of mutually beneficial relationships between First Nations and development organizations offers opportunities to build vibrant residential and commercial projects that help bolster Indigenous economies.

Strategic land use is a lever many Indigenous Nations have been turning their attention to in recent years as a fundamental asset for sustainable economic development. An abundance of land exists throughout BC which offers the potential for presiding Indigenous governments to grow their economies, expand their self-determination efforts, and position themselves as leaders in the real estate space while working with trusted partners to showcase First Nations culture through design.

For our Indigenous neighbours, land isn’t only an economic resource but also a source of sustenance, a spiritual hub, the genesis of traditional teachings and beliefs, and an identity marker of nationhood. As developers, building trust with our First Nations collaborators as conscientious partners and ensuring positive outcomes for all parties involved is critical. Exploring the development of lands through the lens of cultural significance aids in honouring the legacy of the space with appropriate development types.

A commitment to respectful collaboration and cultural sensitivity may be an opportunity to breed positive outcomes for First Nations groups and developers alike, fostering a sense of trust and confidence in shared projects.

Conscientious Stewardship Through Design

Collaborating with Indigenous groups to develop lands is a uniquely creative undertaking. Diligent design work is informed by histories and cultures shared through close consultation and collaboration. A deeper understanding of the significance of the land on which construction will occur impacts the way a project is undertaken. These projects are deeply rewarding and showcase a legacy from peoples who have inhabited these lands for time immemorial.

With cultural meaning at the centre of every decision, each step of the development process considers the community’s narrative, weaving in culture and sustainability practices through symbolic imagery, material usage, colour selection and even building orientation. Unparalleled and awe-inspiring artistic installations elevate standard construction practices. No motif is chosen without a narrative, and no building orientation is decided without intention. These foundational design choices are not taught in traditional Euro-Western architecture but rather are learned and inherited through the culture, and lead to the creation of remarkable and impactful spaces for Indigenous peoples and the broader community.

These elements are but a few considerations that result in uniquely functional, impactful, and sustainable buildings on Indigenous lands.

Active Development in the Lower Mainland

In British Columbia, development partnerships with First Nation communities are abundant. The Lower Mainland is home to many such projects, including two incredibly significant developments at Jericho Lands and Sen̓áḵw.

In partnership with the City of Vancouver and the Canada Lands Company, the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh, have come together to create a “historic and monumental moment in the history of Vancouver and for the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.” Located in Vancouver’s West Point Grey neighbourhood, ʔəy҆alməxʷ/Iy҆álmexw/Jericho Lands is a 90-acre site that provides an opportunity to reintroduce MST culture to the area, provide a generational opportunity to acknowledge traditions, rebuild community and celebrate heritage.

Introducing over 6,000 rental units to the False Creek skyline, Sen̓áḵw reflects a partnership between the Squamish Nation, Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation (the Squamish Nation’s economic development arm), and Westbank. Set to include a collection of regular rentals, affordable housing units, and dedicated Squamish Nation housing, this new development will mean a much-needed capital injection for the Squamish peoples, who rely heavily on leases for revenue, many of which will expire within the next 25 years. Celebrated as reconciliation in action, Sen̓áḵw will bring significant economic, social and cultural benefits to the Squamish Nation, while contributing service improvements and amenities to the City of Vancouver – not to mention easing the burden of Vancouver’s housing crisis.

Both Sen̓áḵw and Jericho Lands are vibrant examples of the mutual benefits of development partnerships between First Nations communities and conscientious builders.

Townline and Musqueam Present edge way at leləm̓

In the spirit of reconciliation, Townline and Musqueam have come together to partner on an exciting new development opportunity near UBC. edge way at leləm̓ will feature a collection of condominium and townhome living that reflects the values and traditions of Musqueam history on leləm̓ lands.

Designed to speak to future and past generations through nods to Musqueam culture and worldviews, the process of generating designs has been deeply rooted in the sharing of histories, traditions, customs, and insights from band elders and Chief Wayne Sparrow. From the iconography of the project logo, to the name edge way, each detail gives recognition to the rich history of the community and the land on which they reside. These subtle details showcasing Musqueam culture and way of life are meant to integrate seamlessly with the function of the building, infusing meaning into the space without overt declarations.

This 50-50 partnership is the first of its kind for our Townline team, and marks the beginning of an enduring journey to learn and grow through cohesive connections with our partners. Building an enduring legacy of collaboration and respect with Musqueam is our primary focus, and one we are grateful to have been given the opportunity to pursue.

To learn more about the Townline and Musqueam partnership, and to stay up to date with the development’s latest news, visit https://edgeway.townline.com/.

Endeavouring always to be passionate stewards of the lands and histories on which we build, we are honoured to play a part in the mutual growth and evolution of Indigenous development. As we look to the future of development, we are energized at the prospect of continuing to forge strong trust-based bonds with our Indigenous partners to build one another up, and to celebrate the rich natural and cultural history of the cities we call home.