Over the summer and fall of 2025, yáqʷa Development Corporation (x̄á’isla Nation’s economic development corporation) will carry out a series of extensive renovations of Gizuá Market, previously known as Sunrise General Merchandise.

Located in Kitamaat Village in x̄á’isla Haisla territory, the market and restaurant space will offer upgraded amenities for x̄á’isla’s community and visitors.

As we build on Sunrise’s rich history, we look forward to building opportunities through Gizuá for x̄á’isla-led businesses and members.

Since acquiring the store in 2024, yáqʷa has invested in renovations that will embrace a “new market concept” while honouring the history of the original space and aiming to meet both the traditional and contemporary needs of the community.

yáqʷa started the project with a community survey and heard that community members wanted the market to reflect local culture, while also offering convenience and product variety.

Since the acquisition, yáqʷa has completed a rebranding of the store, commissioned an artist to design a new logo, worked with an architect and tradespeople to develop plans for the space, and confirmed a general contractor to undergo renovations.

The project, which is partly financed through the Nation’s economic development funds at Coast Funds, will also provide new employment opportunities, including an On-call Store Clerk and a Supervisor.

Engaging Local Artists

yáqʷa commissioned x̄á’isla artist Teresa Windsor to create the new Gizuá Market logo. The logo represents the sun setting over gélw̓anuxʷ Canoe Mountain, a landmark located behind the iconic store.

Teresa, who previously worked at the Sunrise General Merchandise store, shared in a yáqʷa video that she would spend time watching the sun set from the store’s solarium.

“When the sun sets in the middle of gélw̓anuxʷ Canoe Mountain, that indicates to us x̄á’isla that the oolichans are here and ready to be harvested.”

As part of the rebrand, a new name for the store was proposed to the community.

“Gizuá, which means ‘sun’ in x̄á’isla language, received positive feedback from the majority of those who completed the survey,” stated yáqʷa in a public update.

A Centre of Community Connection

Sunrise General Merchandise store has an enduring history in x̄á’isla Village. Lloyd and Irene Starr purchased the building in the 1960s. Later, the business would be managed by different family members – Lloyd and Marilyn Starr, Mary and Tom Nyce, with the restaurant run by Stephanie Nyce McClure and Mel McClure – continuing a strong family legacy.

“I remember watching old movies there and playing pool. Good memories.”

Gizuá Market’s Facebook page acts not only as a space to keep customers informed of the latest frozen yogurt flavours and treats, but also offers a place for community members to share their memories of the much-loved store. A place that has “been a part of this village forever and a day!”.

“My first job was helping Gran rotate chips,” said Angie Silvestre on a Gizuá Market Facebook page post. “I remember watching old movies there and playing pool. Good memories,” said Donna Louise Grant in response to the post.

Creating Positive Impact through yáqʷa Development Corporation

Established in 2024, yáqʷa Development Corporation is committed to creating economic opportunities that support the Nation’s path to self-sufficiency. Wholly owned by x̄á’isla Nation, yáqʷa is pursuing and developing opportunities that generate strong financial returns, create meaningful employment, and build skills for x̄á’isla members, ensuring that economic growth aligns with the community’s priorities.

“It is a very exciting time for yáqʷa Development Corporation as we focus on developing economic opportunities, including Gizuá, that deliver long-term prosperity and benefits for x̄á’isla Nation today, and for generations to come,” said Lisa Grant, Manager, Business Development.

“As we build on Sunrise’s rich history, we look forward to building opportunities through Gizuá for x̄á’isla-led businesses and members to grow and prosper through the selling of their merchandise and employment.”

Renovations of the market began this summer and will be staged in a manner to avoid disrupting service at Gizuá Market. Once the market is updated, yáqʷa will begin renovations on the restaurant space , which is expected to complete by the end of 2025.

Coast Economic Development Society approved funding of $255,645 in 2024 to the Haisla Nation Council for the 359 Haisla Avenue Upgrades and Improvements project.