When the Little Yellow School House was built in 1912, it became a symbol of dislocation for the Squamish people.

Located just 300 meters from the ancient Squamish village of Sen̓áḵw, construction of Henry Hudson Elementary coincided with the forced displacement of Squamish families in 1913. The provincial government gave Squamish residents only two days to abandon their homes, forcibly relocating them to the North Shore. 

Now the school, which had been slated for demolition by the Vancouver School Board to make way for a new school building, has become a symbol of reconciliation and collaboration.

The Little Yellow School House has begun a new chapter as a vital resource for Squamish Nation families as an early childhood language immersion Learning Nest on the Xwmélch’tstn Reserve in North Vancouver.

“The yellow schoolhouse is the home of our new Ta Tsiptspí7lhḵn (Language Nest), where our youngest ones will be learning our Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) language, culture and traditions,” said Sxwíxwtn-Wilson Williams, spokesperson and councillor of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation). “We are thrilled to have this new facility and look forward to welcoming our youngest community members through its doors for years to come.”

The project has highlighted the importance of embracing sustainable, innovative removal solutions over demolition-first practices, says Renewal.

The historic structure was saved through a partnership involving the Squamish Nation (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw), Renewal Development, and Nickel Bros. Together, they worked to relocate, modernize, and repurpose the building.

The rescue began in January 2023 when Renewal Development learned of the demolition plans via a social media comment. Recognizing the building’s potential, with its old-growth timber beams and recently modernized systems, Renewal Development approached the Vancouver School Board with a relocation and repurposing solution.

Founder Glyn Lewis connected with the Squamish Nation last March. It was looking at building a school for Squamish kids to learn the Squamish language and culture, and the building was a perfect fit. The VSB reallocated its $80,000 demolition and abatement budget to support the relocation.

Moved to its new home near the Chief Joe Mathias Centre after being barged across Burrard Inlet, the building was modernized to meet energy efficiency and sustainability goals with grants from VanCity Credit Union, Indigenous Services Canada, BC Hydro, and CleanBC. Upgrades included insulation, energy-efficient windows, an electric heat pump, and low-carbon concrete for the foundation which was donated by Lafarge. 

Further consultation with Squamish Nation educators ensured the renovations aligned with the community’s needs, blending historical preservation with modern functionality.

Cover image: Moving the school house across Burrard Inlet. Renewal Development.

Sources:

The Little Yellow School House: A Heritage Rescue Rooted in Reconciliation. Renewal Development

Kitsilano’s landmark little yellow schoolhouse begins new life after move to Squamish Nation. Vancouver Sun, Feb 6 2024