Malahat Nation Smokehouse Food Sovereignty Project

In 2024/2025, Malahat Nation completed its Food Sovereignty Strategy, a foundational document outlining a clear and culturally grounded path forward to restore, revitalize, and strengthen food systems for mustimuhw (Malahat people). Developed collaboratively with Community members, the strategy reflects the Nation’s shared values and long-term vision for food self determination. A major priority action identified for the first year is the development of a Community Smokehouse and Processing Facility. This smokehouse will provide a centralized, accessible space for Malahat members to process, store, and prepare traditional foods, while also serving as a place for knowledge transfer between generations. The development of an on-site facility addresses a longstanding Community request for localized food processing infrastructure that aligns with cultural practice and self-sufficiency. With funding from the New Relationship Trust, Malahat Nation has been able to hire a Food Sovereignty Coordinator who will guide the next phase of engagement and design planning to fulfill the vision set out by community for the construction of a community smokehouse.