KITAMAAT VILLAGE, June 26, 2024 — yáqʷa Development Corporation is pleased to announce the recent purchase of the Sunrise General Store building located in the heart of Haisla Village. This exciting development marks another milestone for our Nation as we continue to focus on building opportunities for Haisla-led businesses and members to grow and prosper.

With its close proximity to the community and the ocean, we are confident that this new space will provide great opportunities for our members – through business growth and employment – and for visitors to enjoy Haisla village and our hospitality.

The Sunrise General Store has rich and long history of operating in Haisla Village. Initially operated as a co-op, Sunrise was purchased by Lloyd and Irene Starr in the early 1960s, and in the early 1990s, Mary and Tom Nyce took over operations. Throughout the years, the Sunrise General Store has played a significant role in the community, renowned for its seafood restaurant, Seamaster’s, and delightful frozen yogurts, which brought people together within and from outside our village.

Under yáqʷa’s leadership, we will be focused on sustainably building out the service offerings at the Sunrise location, with a focus on employment and economic diversification for our Nation. Initial plans envision renovating the store and turning it into a market with expanded offerings, as well as identifying a new tenant for the restaurant, as well as identifying other services that can be offered at the location.

However, as a first step, we will be involving the community in a survey to identify community needs and interests, as well as to support the rebranding of the former Sunrise General store.

“We are thrilled about this acquisition and the opportunity it provides to continue to serve the community, while expanding our service offerings in a way that reflects our economic goals,” says Lisa Grant, Business Development Manager. “Our Haisla members know best what the community needs and wants, and so we are excited to launch a community survey to seek input so that we can create a final plan for Sunrise that reflects our community’s vision.”
Customers can continue to shop at the current location until the full transition is complete. Stay tuned for more exciting updates about the future of our Sunrise General Store!

For more information and inquiries about opportunities at the former Sunrise General Store, please contact:

Lisa Grant, Business Development Manager
Tel: 250-639-6206
Email: lgrant@yaqwadevcorp.com

About yáqʷa
yáqʷa was established in 2024 as the economic development arm of the Haisla Nation. Our mandate is to develop, manage and own the active businesses of the Nation. yáqʷa was established to allow for the separation of business and governance within the Haisla Nation. We are open for business and encourage you to visit our website to learn more and reach out to our team.

About the survey
yáqʷa is seeking feedback from Haisla members help us identify community needs and interests, as well as to support the rebranding of the former Sunrise General store. Please take a few minutes to share your ideas with us. Each individual that responds to the survey will receive a $25 gift card. You must provide your name and a contact information to be eligible for the gift card.