Malahat Nation Smokehouse Food Sovereignty Project

Malahat Nation Smokehouse Food Sovereignty Project

Started: June 25, 2025
Target: May 31, 2027

Overview

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.

Project Contacts

George Harry

Food Sovereignty Coordinator

Project Timeline

  • Conduct technical investigations and assessments (i.e., geotechnical, environmental, archaeological)

    In Progress

    Ongoing - Ongoing

    1. Conduct geotechnical investigations by a certified engineering firm to analyze soil conditions and load-bearing capacity an identify any geological hazards or drainage issues and to ensure the selected site can safely accommodate the smokehouse and associated infrastructure 2. Complete environmental and archaeological assessments to carry out a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) following provincial and Indigenous environmental guidelines 3. Undertake an Archaeological Overview Assessment (AOA) in accordance with BC Archaeology Branch standards Ensure that the project avoids or mitigates impacts to sensitive ecological or cultural heritage areas Incorporate traditional ecological knowledge in assessment findings and site planning
  • Engagement

    In Progress

    Ongoing - Ongoing

    The Food Sovereignty Coordinator will lead on-going engagement opportunities with the community to explore ways to increase access to culturally appropriate foods, including expanding opportunities for sharing and distribution of harvested foods Hosting workshops focused on food preparation and storage, and ways of expanding yields from existing Community gardens The Food Sovereignty Coordinator will also facilitate Talking Circles, utilizing the Medicine Garden as central gathering and event spaces for seasonal ceremonies and knowledge exchange and will further develop Malahat specific food-related policies for prioritizing serving traditional foods at Malahat events.
  • Prepare and obtain required permits

    Not Started

    Ongoing - Ongoing

    Prepare and submit necessary permits, including environmental permit applications as required under provincial and federal regulations Development and land use permits based on zoning and construction requirements under Malahat Nation Land Code