KITAMAAT VILLAGE — The Haisla Nation is intensifying its commitment to “human capital” this week, moving to ensure that the multi-billion dollar industrial boom on its doorstep translates into long-term stability for its members. From high-tech trades training to affordable housing initiatives, the late January period has seen a surge in community-led social infrastructure projects.
Piping Foundations – A Pipeline to Local Careers
On January 19, 2026, the Haisla Nation Employment & Training team officially opened applications for the Piping Foundations Program. This initiative targets members looking to enter the high-demand trades of plumbing, steamfitting, and sprinkler fitting—skills that are increasingly vital as projects like Cedar LNG and the North Coast Transmission Line move toward peak construction.
The program, which allows students to gain Level 1 technical training and 375 work-based hours, is a cornerstone of the Haisla’s strategy to prioritize Indigenous labor in local industry. By providing these certifications locally, the Nation is reducing the barriers to entry for high-paying, “Red Seal” certified careers.
Empowering the Next Generation
Youth development is also at the forefront of the Nation’s January agenda. Applications closed on January 28, 2026, for a unique youth travel opportunity to participate in “Youth Inspiration Day”. The program is designed to connect Haisla youth with leadership mentors and regional peers, fostering a sense of civic pride and professional ambition.
This effort is mirrored by the 2026 Youth Employment Opportunities initiative, which is currently seeking up to five summer students to fill roles across the Nation’s administration, from community wellness to capital projects.
Eagle View – Managing the Housing Portfolio
As Kitimat grapples with a regional housing shortage, the Haisla Nation is taking direct action to stabilize its own community’s footprint. On January 19, the Housing Department announced the availability of a ground-level, two-bedroom unit at the Eagle View Apartments.
With rent set at $750 per month (including hydro), the unit represents a “deeply affordable” option for registered Haisla members. To be eligible, applicants must complete the “Renting it Right” certificate, an initiative that teaches financial literacy and tenant responsibilities—further strengthening the community’s long-term social resilience.
Infrastructure and Strategic Vision
These ground-level successes are part of a larger 2026–2030 Strategic Plan currently being finalized by the Haisla Nation Council. This plan focuses on “Indigenous majority-ownership” of the local economy, a model exemplified by the $5.9-billion Cedar LNG project, which recently secured a $200-million contribution from the federal Strategic Innovation Fund.
“Cedar LNG is a reality today in part because of the incredible support we have received,” said Chief Councilor Crystal Smith. “Together with our partners, we are changing the face of the Canadian energy sector while elevating Indigenous values of environmental and cultural protection”.
