The Squamish Nation has begun constructing the first residential towers of the Senakw complex in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighbourhood [1, 2].
This development represents a significant milestone in land reclamation. The project is the first major construction on territory the Nation has reclaimed more than a century after its members were expelled from the area [1, 2].
Located at the foot of the Burrard Bridge, the Senakw project aims to provide housing for members of the Squamish Nation and other residents [1, 2]. The initiative transforms a central piece of urban land into a high-density residential hub, a move that asserts indigenous sovereignty within the city's core.
Demand for the project is high. Approximately 17,000 potential tenants have expressed interest in the first phase of the development [1].
The construction of these towers is part of a broader strategy to integrate traditional land rights with modern urban development. By managing the project, the Squamish Nation maintains control over the use and benefit of the land [1, 2].
“The project is the first major construction on territory the Nation has reclaimed more than a century after its members were expelled.”
The Senakw development is more than a housing project; it is a tangible exercise of indigenous jurisdiction within a major metropolitan area. By developing land reclaimed after a century of displacement, the Squamish Nation is establishing a permanent economic and residential footprint in Vancouver, shifting the dynamic of urban land ownership and governance.
