​By Cathy Jenkins, Director Cheakamus Foundation, Project Manager, Cheakamus Centre

The Kílila Project, named after the butterfly which symbolizes transformation in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim (Squamish language), is the latest campus renewal project taking shape at Cheakamus Centre.  The Aboriginal Housing Management Association, BCIT School of Construction & the Environment and the Cheakamus Foundation joined forces once again for an innovation challenge to improve energy efficiency and indoor comforts at Cabin #10, the teacher’s cabin. 

The Cabin #10 was transformed into a “living lab” for high performance building construction this fall/winter. As part of a skilled trades training program, an energetic cohort of Indigenous youth from rural and urban communities were hands-on with the cabin retrofit. Students received guidance from cultural leaders, BCIT instructors, and sustainability experts, During the one-week intensive training at Cheakamus Centre students participated in construction and cultural activities where they learned about energy-efficient retrofitting and the cultural significance of sustainable building practices.

The Kílila program integrated Indigenous cultural programming at the teaching Longhouse and ancient forests, enabling students to blend traditional knowledge with contemporary building practices while exploring the nature campus. Students gained valuable trades and leadership skills, opening new career paths and opportunities to create lasting benefits for their home communities. 

Tsawaysia Spukwus, Alice Guss, a Squamish Nation member provides teachings of making a drum during the Kílila program.

In addition, the cabin retrofit also provided hands-on learning for BCIT joinery students who honed their interior woodworking skills. These students designed and built the bench seating, table and countertop - adding a touch of history with reclaimed wood from the old Lonsdale School.

The Kílila Project video highlights the students’ transformative journeys. I invite everyone to take time to watch and celebrate the impressive efforts of these future leaders. 

The Cheakamus Foundation is grateful to our many supporters who contributed to the Kílila project. Special thank you to the teachers and visitors for patiently putting up with the construction!

To learn more about campus renewal projects, and how to get involved, please do not hesitate to connect with me through email, cjenkins@sd44.ca.