A Splatsin Homes demo home at the warehouse in Vernon (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

First Nation Territory Controversy

Splatsin says new home building program will serve people across the province

Aug 15, 2025 | 11:24 AM

The Splatsin First Nation believes its new initiative will help people throughout Canada and address the housing crisis.

The Splatsin Homes initiative was launched Aug. 8, and will see pre-fabricated homes built at a warehouse in Vernon. The homes are made using low-cost foam insulation and can be constructed throughout Canada as an alternative housing model. There will be training opportunities for people from other communities to come to Vernon and learn more about them.

“Splatsin Homes is here to build more than houses,” said Kukpi7 (Chief) Michael Christian.

“We are building skills, opportunity, and hope. This work is guided by our belief that safe, affordable housing should be accessible to everyone, and that Indigenous communities can lead the way in delivering innovative, practical solutions.”

While the work may provide housing solutions and training opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people ,and help tackle the housing crisis, having the operation in Vernon was not well received by the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB).

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The OKIB said the operation was launched within Silx territory without proper consultation or engagement, and asked that the two bands come together to ensure First Nation boundaries are respected when undertaking initiatives or business enterprises.

Read More: OKIB demands discussion with Splatsin regarding new home building initiative

Splatsin said in a release that the facility in Vernon was selected because it is strategically located to serve communities across B.C. more efficiently than if it were within the Splatsin territory, and is dedicated to hiring Indigenous workers, including those from the OKIB.

“We believe in partnership, respect, and shared solutions,” Christian said.

“The challenges we face as Indigenous Peoples, and as Canadians, are too great for us to work in isolation. Splatsin Homes is about opening doors — literally and figuratively — for all communities ready to build a better future.”

Splatsin also emphasized that housing is an issues that needs to be addressed urgently, and that they were dedicated to being inclusive in their work.

“Canada is facing an unprecedented housing crisis, and our model is built to deliver real results,” Grahame Gom, CEO of Splatsin Development Corporation and Splatsin Homes, said.

“The interest we’ve received — from Indigenous communities, municipalities, and local organizations — shows that people want collaboration, not division. Splatsin Homes is a resource for everyone ready to tackle housing needs in a meaningful way.”

The pre-fabricated home model being spearheaded by Splatsin Homes will be easy to assemble, energy efficient, and climate resilient.

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