Interview originally broadcast during On The Island with Gregor Craigie on CBC Radio.
A new 35-unit apartment building in Port Alberni is set to open its doors this month, offering Ahousaht First Nation members a long-awaited opportunity to stay connected to their community and culture while living off-reserve.
Developed by the Citaapi Mahtii Housing Society (CMHS), the project features a mix of bachelor, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom units — reflecting the society’s focus on family-oriented, inclusive housing. “We’re going to have a lot of kiddos in the building, which is great,” said Jude Newman, Operations Manager for CMHS. “The Ahousaht Nation is very family-oriented. They take care of each other, and that’s what this building is all about — community.”
Located just off 10th Avenue near the fairgrounds, the building is close to shopping, medical services, and public transit — a setting Newman calls “the perfect place.” But what truly sets it apart is its design, which integrates cultural spaces and traditional values into everyday living.
Outside, residents will find a fish cleaning station and a large fire pit for gatherings, while inside, a dedicated communal space will host family celebrations and cultural events. “When you’re away from your nation, you don’t always get that opportunity to be in your own culture,” Newman explained. “This building helps bring that back.”
While the housing is primarily intended for Ahousaht members, CMHS has also designated a unit for Tseshaht First Nation, recognizing the building’s location on Tseshaht territory and the spirit of collaboration among the Nuu-chah-nulth nations in the region.
The project includes a mix of market-rate, rent-geared-to-income (RGI), and deeply subsidized units, ensuring accessibility for families, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited income. Applicants must be registered with the BC Housing Registry, and demand is already high. “The feedback has been amazing,” said Newman. “People are excited to get in — it’s been a long time coming.”
For many prospective tenants, this new development represents more than just housing — it’s a sense of belonging and stability. “When you have your own place, you can have people over, you feel secure,” Newman said. “It makes such a huge difference for people’s mental health. It’s a leg up for sure.”
With construction now complete, the first residents are expected to move in by the end of the month. CMHS hopes the success of this project will pave the way for future developments, including potential new housing for Ahousaht members living in Victoria.
“This is about bringing people together,” Newman said. “Respect one another, teach one another, care for one another — everything is interconnected. That’s what we’re building here.”
For more information about the Citaapi Mahtii Housing Society and its projects, visit citaapi.ca.