The development of Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station (PODS) has taken a significant step forward.
shíshálh Nation has signed a 15-year relationship agreement with the Loon Foundation, kicking off a landmark collaboration in the development and operation of PODS.
The innovative marine and freshwater research and education facility will provide exciting opportunities for potential employment, training and mentoring for shíshálh members in its development and operation and will support economic advancement for the community and specifically the shíshálh Nation, said the release.
The agreement also covers the future operation and transfer of the Iris & Billy Griffith Interpretive Centre in collaborative operation between the shíshálh Nation and the Loon Foundation.
The PODS facility will give visitors a first-hand look into the region’s remarkable biological and cultural diversity while being net-zero, a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it.
“We are grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to work with the Loon Foundation on the Pender Harbour Discovery Station,” said lhe hiwus (Chief) Lenora Joe in the release. “This Relationship Agreement sets out a mutually beneficial path forward, respecting the inherent rights of the shíshálh Nation to be actively and meaningfully involved in decision-making and environmental stewardship within our shíshálh swiya and at kalpilin (Pender Harbour). Respect for, and recognition of shíshálh laws, history, culture and practices is a critical aspect of reconciliation within our swiya. This Relationship Agreement demonstrates how we can all work together for the protection, enhancement, and restoration of our lands and waters, which will benefit both shíshálh and non-shíshálh for generations to come.”
“This agreement enables us to advance meaningful opportunities for all, bolstering the Sunshine
Coast economy, enriching kalpilin, and opening new horizons for generations to come,” said Dr. Michael Jackson, executive director of the Loon Foundation in the release. She said this partnership is a testament to a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, blending shíshálh knowledge, western science and local culture in harmony.
PODS public announcement
The public is invited to join shíshálh Nation and the Loon Foundation for an announcement, celebrating a major funding milestone for the coming discovery station.
The event is on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with speeches from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station (PODS) showroom at 12897 Madeira Park Road.
Guests will include lhe hiwus (Chief) Lenora Joe and Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country.
The invitation states that the shared oversight of PODS allows for collaborative approaches to environmental action and economic development in the region. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2027.
Warm drinks, seasonal snacks, live music and more will be included. Spots can be reserved by emailing [email protected].
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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