Four new duplexes reconnect families and revitalize community

Overcrowding, inadequate housing and homelessness have long challenged Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation. But this reality is changing. In a significant step forward, the First Nation has built four duplexes – affordable homes – that offer members the opportunity to return to their community, reconnect with family and embrace their land.

“These homes are ideal for our members wanting to return home to be connected to their community, their family, their land,” says Nasu?kin (Chief) Heidi Gravelle. The duplexes were made possible with support from Columbia Basin Trust and other funders.

For Beckie Cayenne-Ban Quan, one of the new tenants, the duplexes represent a life-changing opportunity. Previously living in Cranbrook with her husband, she longed to reconnect with her home community. “I wanted to move back to my home community, to reconnect with my family and homelands,” she says. “I also wanted to be of service to my community.” Now working in ʔa·kanuxunik̓ Wellness and Cultural Relations, she adds, “This duplex has made the transition easy.”

Modern, Energy-Efficient Homes
The centrally located, two-bedroom duplexes are designed to ensure comfort and accessibility for single occupants or small families. Each unit is equipped with solar arrays, heat recovery ventilators (HRV), and heat pumps, making them energy-efficient and affordable to maintain. “Having accessible units is integral for increasing the quality of life for our people,” Gravelle emphasizes.

Additionally, Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it’s housing and maintenance staff received specialized training on operating and maintaining these energy-efficient features. This ensures long-term sustainability and empowers the community to handle maintenance needs internally, reducing reliance on external contractors. “This knowledge can be passed along to occupants,” explains Chelsea Gray, the First Nation’s Housing and Infrastructure Manager. “It ensures tenant-related maintenance is completed while reducing costly contractor call-outs.”

A Foundation of Partnership
The Trust’s commitment to supporting First Nations like Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it is grounded in collaboration and respect. Through initiatives like the First Nations Housing Sustainability Initiative, the Trust has helped:
• Create 96 new affordable homes.
• Upgrade 218 homes.
• Install 103 solar arrays on housing across the Columbia Basin since 2017.

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To help build the duplexes, Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it received $880,000 from the Trust. This partnership has also supported other impactful projects, resulting in 20 new units, improvements to 21 existing units and the installation of 20 solar arrays in the community.

Gravelle appreciates the Trust’s approach. “The Trust listens to our needs, wants and desires so that they can be part of the solution. They believe in contributing to help change the quality of life for our people. That means a lot.”

Expanding the Vision
Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it’s work is far from over. The community is exploring net-zero homes, designing units for larger families, and ensuring every member has a safe, affordable and accommodating place to live. “We are building for longevity, health and happiness,” says Gravelle.

For Cayenne-Ban Quan, the impact is deeply personal. “Having the ability to reconnect with our families, our lands and our culture—and have a safe place to call home—is a phenomenal feeling!”

With determination and collaboration, Yaq̇it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it is redefining housing as a cornerstone of community connection, resilience and pride.