Yale First Nation (YFN) made history on Friday when they opened their new Government office in Hope. The building was alive with guests, and members of its council and the chief, as traffic moved freely through the modern and bright space on 3rd Avenue. Yale First Nation relocated to Hope in a spiritual and historic move to open its doors to members and non-members of the community. It’s an effort to bridge the gap, educate, and to mend relationships on all levels with First Nation and Non-First Nation residents.
“The purchase of the building is beneficial to the YFN Membership and the new location is more central to our communities,” Yale First Nation Chief Ken Hansen told The Hope Standard.
Three communities are part of Yale First Nation, including one located in the community of Ruby Creek, Yale town proper, and one based in Vancouver. According to Hansen the communities have similar nutritional, housing concerns, and needs related to land that are specific to their geographic location.
“I hope these relationships combined with the services provided by the YFN Office will improve the overall health of the surrounding communities,” said Hansen in a press release statement. “I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge those who are adjusting to the change in leadership and office location. I keep you and your families in my mind and will assist in the transition wherever I can.”
The facility will give members an opportunity to access services in the District of Hope, while furthering its mission to “develop and repair” relations with other First Nation communities nearby.
“Having a facility like this helps break down the barriers, it opens the doors and educates people that we are all exactly the same,” said Yale First Nation member Perry Hope.