Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) First Nation Purchases Residence at Homathko Camp

New acquisition is an important first step in Xwémalhkwu Nation re-establishing roots in its traditional territory

From left to right: Sharen and Chuck Burchill with Xwémalhkwu Chief Darren Blaney and administrator Sue Hanley. Image courtesy of Xwémalhkwu Nation.

Homathko Camp is a remote camp located north of Bute Inlet, in the heart of Xwémalhkwu Nation territory. In an August 7 press release, Xwémalhkwu Nation announced that it has purchased the residence at Homathko Camp from owners Chuck and Sharen Burchill.

“This is Homalco re-establishing a permanent foothold in the heart of our territory,” said Chief Darren Blaney in the press release. “We are expanding our presence in Orford so expanding in Homathko was a natural next step for us to take. Homathko is a very special place for us and the site of many of our stories told since time immemorial. Today’s purchase is the beginning of a whole new set of opportunities for our Nation.”

This is Homalco re-establishing a permanent foothold in the heart of our territory.

The residence at Homathko Camp. Image courtesy of Xwémalhkwu Nation.

Homathko Camp was built over 30 years ago and includes a power generation station, a vegetable garden with greenhouse, and several outbuildings. Xwémalhkwu Nation intends to use the new building it has acquired at Homathko Camp as a base to offer healing services and to expand tourism, fisheries, and forestry operations. The Nation aspires to acquire the entire camp in the future.

“We look forward to re-establishing our traditional relationship with our Tŝilhqot’in neighbours just over the mountains,” said Chief Blaney, “and to taking a bigger role in the management of our territory.”

Read the full article published in the Campbell River Mirror.