In late June, Kitasoo Xai’xais community members gathered in Klemtu, along British Columbia’s Inside Passage, to celebrate the grand opening of the Kitasoo Xai’xais Community Store and Hidden Passage Café. This event marked a milestone development that will strengthen the local economy and support the well-being of the Nation.

After years of planning, fundraising, and countless hours of work, Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation has built an asset that will drive sustainable economic growth while providing a hub for community activity.

“This project represents one of the largest pieces of community infrastructure built in Klemtu since 2002,” said Isaiah Robinson, General Manager of Kitasoo Xai’xais Development Corporation, in a LinkedIn post. “More importantly, it reflects our commitment to building a strong, self-sustaining economy that creates jobs, provides essential services, and reinvests in our people.”

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Geraldine Duncan, Customer and Community Relations Manager for the Community Store, in a YouTube video shared ahead of the opening. “It’s going to be somewhere to go, to sit around and have coffee.”

The Community Store, which is located in the remote community of Klemtu, strengthens food security by improving access to fresh produce, meat, and other essential goods. Connected to the store’s main entrance, the Hidden Passage Café offers fresh coffee, healthy meals, and an essential gathering space for residents and visitors.

The store also features the work of talented Kitasoo Xai’xais artists, including Jeri Robinson (Dragonfly Creations) and Mercy Mason (Zuali Creations). Customers can choose from a range of locally crafted beadwork, earrings, keychains, bags, and more.

“Together, we are building far more than infrastructure,” said Isaiah. “We are creating opportunity, strengthening our local economy, investing in our people, and laying the foundation for a prosperous and self-sustaining future for generations to come.”

Through Coast Funds’ Community Prosperity Fund, Kitasoo Xai’xais invested $900,000 in 2026 to fund the purchase of refrigeration equipment for the Kitasoo Xai’xais Community Store.