Project Overview
For more than 2,000 years, the rich history of the Tla’amin Nation (formerly known as the Sliammon First Nation) has been linked to the majestic forests on its traditional lands on the north Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. Through Tla’amin Timber Products, the Nation continues to manage these forests sustainably to provide social and economic benefits. The Tla’amin people chose wood in the design of the Tla’amin Community Health and Multi-purpose Centre. The Nation supplied western red and yellow cedar for the heavy timber structure and siding. The structure was carefully oriented to the cardinal compass points and located in a natural wooded setting to benefit the traditional health and cultural programs.
Building the new centre with wood yielded many benefits for the Tla’amin people. Wood-frame construction is easily adaptable that helped to accommodate changes during construction in a remote location north of Powell River. Using wood also supported an apprenticeship program that specifically recruited and trained local band members. The Tla’amin Community Health and Multi-purpose Centre house integrated medical, dental, social services and traditional healing programs for the Tla’amin First Nation as well as Tla’amin Band Council meetings. There is flexible space for the development of community health and cultural programs, as well as a conference facility.
Wood Features
APPRENTICESHIPS: BUILDING LOCAL SKILLS
The construction management method of procurement for the Tla’amin Community Health and Multi-purpose Centre supported an apprenticeship program for local Sliammon band members.
EXTERIOR USES: DURABLE AND FLEXIBLE
Building with wood meant the project was able to respond to changes during construction at the remote site. Designers also chose wood because it can withstand weather and rigorous maintenance procedures.
INTERIOR USES: COMFORTABLE AND HEALING
The Centre’s use of wood provides a tangible connection to nature and the outdoors. Research shows the visual presence of wood in a room is both psychologically and physiologically beneficial, and a study by The University of British Columbia and FPInnovations concludes wood interiors reduce stress by creating a comforting, supportive and healing environment.
CEDAR: CELEBRATING A RICH CULTURE
Western red cedar is considered the tree of life for the Coast Salish peoples, and connects the Sliammon people with their rich past. The Centre design incorporated western red cedar ceremonial poles with copper caps.
“The Tla’amin Health Centre Facility is a beautiful place for the important healing work we do for our community. Visitors, clients, service partners and employees alike, all enjoy coming here. There is much use of wood, a traditional structure building style, earth tones throughout, and the benefit of so much natural light from the huge windows. It is like bringing nature inside with us, which is medicine for us too”.
Cynthia Jamieson, A/Executive Director
Tla’Amin Community Health Centre
