Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Skwah First Nation's free store has been shut down effectively immediately after complaints and concerns about its operations arose. The complaints included concerns about a lack of opportunity for First Nations members to benefit from working there, liability issues, conflicts of interest and most recently financial mismanagement, Chief Administrative Officer Diane Janzen wrote in a statement dated Friday, June 9. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Free store at Skwah First Nation shut do

Free store at Skwah First Nation closed until further notice following complaints

Jun 12, 2023 | 9:30 AM

CHILLIWACK — The free store on Skwah First Nation has been operating as a valuable band initiative to provide food security for members for a number of years.

However, following a number of complaints about the way the free store was administered, the store’s operations have been closed effectively immediately.

According to a news release dated Friday, June 9 from Skwah First Nation Chief Administrative Officer Diane Janzen, the band has received several concerns and complaints associated with the store’s operations.

“We understand that members in need rely on this important service and we are committed to ensuring food security for our members. While the Free Store has provided important food security, we also have received complaints and concerns about a lack of opportunity for First Nations members to benefit from working there, liability issues, conflicts of interest and most recently financial mismanagement,” Janzen wrote in a statement. “Importantly, many people who have been accessing the service are not Skwah First Nation members and this has placed a great strain on the resources available.”

As a result of the complaints, the band reviewed the program and discovered it had not been functioning as it was originally intended.

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“Urgent changes are necessary to prioritize food security for Skwah First Nation members and move to a position of sustainability,” Janzen said.

Janzen said the free store is closed until further notice effectively immediately, and the band is taking the following steps:

• For the rest of the month, Free Store hampers will be replaced with food gift cards for Skwah First Nation members. These will be available on Tuesdays, starting June 12 at 2 p.m. for elders, 3 p.m. for everyone else. A total of 50 food gift cards will be available weekly on a first-come, first-served basis but, it asks to let those with the greatest need to go first.

• Further information about the food gift cards and bread program will be distributed through email and notices delivered to households. Band members may contact the band office for more information.

• Skwah First Nation will be redesigning a more permanent approach to food security and invites feedback from members. The band will be holding a community meeting shortly to discuss this issue with the community, consult with band members and seek their input on future food security.

• Janzen wrote that Skwah First Nation has generous interim support from its local food partners, Chilliwack Community Services and the Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society. It has also reached out to the Salvation Army as an important source of food for the community.

• Non-members who have been using Free Store services will be referred to other agencies and contact information has been provided to them.