tsain-ko Corporation has unveiled its “Serve Your swiya” initiative along with its inaugural event, a FireSmart cleanup at the shíshálh Nation Longhouse.
The community initiative aims to strengthen community bonds through what tsain-ko calls “‘reconciliActions’ to protect and enhance our shared community.”
tsain-ko Corporation represents the business sector of the shíshálh Nation. Founded in 2010, the corporation comprises 11 companies including commercial and residential real estate, forestry, fishing, trucking, concrete, clean energy and land development. Everett August, marketing and communication coordinator for the initiative, said it began when they were looking for a way to bring everyone together and bring a better sense of camaraderie amongst their staff.
Throughout the year, tsain-ko will host several events with opportunities to collaborate with employees and shíshálh Nation members on what August calls “small acts of kindness for the betterment of the Sunshine Coast as a whole.”
tsain-ko’s press release calls the Serve Your swiya, “A ground-clearing reconciliation initiative blending community service, philanthropy and partnership to strengthen ties within and throughout the swiya.”
On April 19, the initiative will officially launch at Raven’s Cry Theatre. Following an introduction from shíshálh Nation chief and council, FireSmart coordinator for the Sunshine Coast Regional District, David McIlwraith, will speak to the audience.
The event will also feature a screening of Incandescence, a National Film Board documentary by local filmmakers Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper. The release says the film explores the increasing severity, frequency and impact of wildfires.
August also said the film will help explain the work they plan to do at the Nation Longhouse.
“In order to be effective, we need everyone to kind of do their part, and for everybody to do their part, they need to know what to do,” he said.
August said it’s been “an absolute pleasure,” working with McIlwraith on the initiative. “He's a very knowledgeable guy. But not only that, he's passionate. He truly does care about what he does, and it really shows.”
Attendees will also be invited to sign up for the May 3 inaugural event, a FireSmart cleanup at the Longhouse.
August said they chose to focus on FireSmart for the inaugural event partially because of the wildfires that have burned out of control this past year, including Los Angeles and the Carolinas, and consulted with McIlwraith.
“It's not a rather a matter of if, but more of a matter of when a fire like that could happen here,” said August. “We figured we have the ability to do something, and it's a lot better to be proactive rather than reactive, so we figured we'd FireSmart the Longhouse.”
“It’s not just about clearing debris and fuel for wildfires, although that is critical,” said lhe hiwus yalxwemult (Chief Lenora Joe), in the release. “Serve Your swiya is about fostering long-term change and inspiring the entire Sunshine Coast to take proactive steps in safeguarding our shared home for all the generations to come.”
August clarified tsain-ko doesn't envision this as a “one and done” type event, but plans to have it grow and evolve year after year.
All members of the community are invited to participate in the initiative, those looking to get involved are encouraged to contact August at [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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