Simpcw First Nation elders, Kukpi7 and council and invited guests attended a celebratory ribbon cutting on Aug. 27 on the site in Chu Chua Village near Barriere called Coal Creek Crescent.
The ribbon cutting took place on a welcomed rainy morning, with speakers praising the rain after many dry, hot days prior. The event took place in front of the newly constructed housing units now open for occupancy to Simpcw members, offering them beautifully designed, safe, housing in the village.
Construction was a joint effort by Paradigm Building Solutions, a local Barriere based manufacturing company and Simpcw Resource Group. Philipp Gruner as CEO of Paradigm Building Solutions said, "We are very proud of the new housing project now complete here at Chu Chua and look forward to future projects. This build is also designed to be FireSmart in it's construction. It's been a great experience working with the community members here and SRG."
Kukpi7 George Lampreau thanked all who attended the event in spite of the rainy weather. "The rain is welcome today. We are so thankful to have this new housing ready for our elders and members, offering additional safe, well constructed homes for our people to live in."
Paul Donald, CEO of Simpcw Resources Group spoke with pride about the build, addressing those gathered and thanking SRG's partners at Paradigm for their dedication to such a successful build.
A prayer was offered by Simpcw elder, William Pete in the traditional Secwepemctsín language as the soft rain fell. SRG CEO, Paul Donald assisted his aunt, elder Bonnie Donald flanked by Kukpi7 Lampreau in the ribbon cutting in front of the new homes.
The Simpcw drummers opened the ceremony with an honour song lead by Angie Rainer and was followed by inviting everyone in out of the rain for a delicious traditional lunch and visit following the dedication of the homes. Simpcw's own Neqweyqwelsten school children offered a beautifully spoken prayer prior to lunch in Secwepemctsín, also lead by Angie Rainer, as a memorable moment for all gathered for the historic event.
Editor's note: This article has been updated from the original to clarify that Paradigm Building Solutions Ltd. were in partnership for the housing build project at Chu Chua a not in further partnerships with SRG in B.C.
