North Cowichan, BC – Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council (NmTC) and the Municipality of North
Cowichan, in collaboration with the Building Officials' Association of BC, is proud to
announce the launch of the Indigenous Building Official Internship. This collaborative
initiative is a step forward in reconciliation, capacity building, and cultural recognition.
“This internship represents so much more than professional training. It reflects
reconciliation in action,” said Edith Moore, CEO of Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council. “We are
proud to see opportunities like this created for Indigenous people, as our representation
has been limited in the past. We know opportunities like this will strengthen our Member
Nations and communities for generations to come. We are deeply thankful to our partners
at the Municipality of North Cowichan and to the funders who helped make this vision a
reality.”
The program is beginning with a 9-month pilot phase, which will provide an Indigenous
intern with hands-on mentorship, on-the-job training, and certification pathways to
become a Building Official. The pilot’s success will inform future expansion, with the goal
of welcoming more interns and establishing a permanent internship program in other
jurisdictions.
The first intern is Gage Peter, a proud Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) band
member born and raised in Cowichan. Gage brings valuable experience from his work
with Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Society, where he supported youth and community
programming.
“North Cowichan is proud to partner with Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council on the launch of the
Indigenous Building Official Internship,” said Ted Swabey, CAO of the Municipality of North
Cowichan. “This initiative reflects our commitment to collaboration and capacity building
within our communities. We’re pleased to welcome Gage Peter as the first intern in the
program and look forward to supporting his journey and contributions in this important
role.”
This initiative was made possible thanks to the support of Indigenous Services Canada
(ISC) and the McConnell Foundation. Their contributions ensure the internship offers paid
training, mentorship from Indigenous and municipal professionals, and curriculum that
reflects both technical and cultural knowledge.
The launch was marked with a welcoming ceremony at Chemainus Fire Hall that included
Elder Smaalthun Larry George and leadership from Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council, the
Municipality of North Cowichan, and the Building Officials' Association of BC. A formal
signing of the agreement highlighted the shared commitment to reconciliation and
collaboration.
About Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council
Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council serves ten Member Nations, located around the Salish Sea.
The tribal council walks alongside our Member Nations on their journey towards selfdetermination and reclamation of culture by facilitating programs and services that positively impact Indigenous Peoples. Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council is governed by a Board of Directors, guided by the wisdom of our Elders’ Council, and work Naut’sa mawt (together as one, with one heart and one mind) to reflect the values and priorities of our peoples.
About the Municipality of North Cowichan
North Cowichan spans 195 square kilometers, with 40 kilometres of oceanfront along the
east side of Vancouver Island. North Cowichan is a community of communities and
includes Crofton, Chemainus, Maple Bay, Quamichan, Bell McKinnon, Berkey’s Corner, and South End/University Village. Each unique area has its own history and values, as well as
natural and built environments that define its character.
The Municipality of North Cowichan sits on the traditional territories of the Quw’utsun
Nation, which includes the Cowichan Tribes, the Halalt First Nation, the Lyackson First
Nation, the Penelakut Tribe, and the Stz'uminus First Nation. North Cowichan also sits on
the traditional, territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
