Canada’s first Aboriginal arts hotel has opened its doors in the heart of Vancouver’s historic downtown. Owned and operated by the Vancouver Native Housing Society, Skwachàys Lodge is an innovative approach to sustainable housing that combines cultural authenticity, business excellence and community economic development.

The hotel’s architect preserved the century-old brick facade and designed a traditional northern longhouse to sit atop the heritage building. The rooftop longhouse features a 40.5-foot story pole (the Dreamweaver) reaching into the Vancouver skyline.

Six Vancouver interior designers collaborated with six Aboriginal artists to create 18 distinctly themed rooms featuring original carvings, paintings, fabric, art, custom furniture and decor.

The artist and designer teams include: Corrine Hunt and BBA Design Consultants; Clifton Fred and B+H CHIL Design; Lou-Anne Neel and Inside Design Studio; Sabina Hill and Mark Preston with MCM Interiors; Richard Shorty and Porada Design Group; and Jerry Whitehead with Portico Design Group.

“The rebranding and conversion of the lodge now completes our vision,” says Dave Eddy, CEO of the Vancouver Native Housing Society. “The success of the hotel and gallery will enable us to provide an authentic cultural tourism experience and create revenue necessary to subsidize rent and enhance the lives of the Aboriginal artists living in the residence. This is a truly dynamic and sustainable solution for housing that provides a positive social impact for some of the most marginalized members of Vancouver’s population.”

Photography by Craig Minielly at Aura Photographics