Robinson is originally from Hesquiaht Nation, and married into Ahousaht Nation, she says.
I was there for five years, until my mom moved to Port Alberni to probably get us out of there,” Robinson says.
To do this work requires safe space and sensitivity as people transform their lives, Robinson says.
Since the operation was first announced in 2017, the Kackaamin community has been stating their opposition to the project’s location.
Kackaamin treatment centre has a fully accredited school for K-12, and a licensed day care to support families during their healing journey.
And even kids, they can associate that smell with things that aren’t safe, not good, there’s things going on in the home, they’re not being cared for.
26 2020, a bylaw was established to prevent cannabis facilities from being built near schools or daycares, but a grandfathering clause was included that allowed the Premium Cannabis Meds BC proposal to be exempt.
When they are ready for change, clients ask for Kackaamin.
The attraction is the lower cost of ALR property, compared to industrial zoned properties.
In July 2018, the ALC announced new rules to restrict the construction of cement-based, industrial cannabis production facilities on ALR lands.
Health Canada more recently announced that the security certificate would also be reviewed after the facility is complete, says Canning.
Our hands are tied’- and it is not true in this case, they have lots of options,” says Canning.
At Kackaamin, Robinson hopes the decision can be changed, so the good work can continue.
Odette Auger is Sagamok Anishnawbek and has been living on the traditional territories of the toq qaymɩxʷ also known as Cortes Island, for 21 years.