Skwachàys Lodge Logo

A Vancouver Boutique Hotel that is Making a Difference

VNHS opened Skwachàys Lodge, the Urban Aboriginal Fair-Trade Gallery, and the Artists in Residence Program in June of 2012. The former Pender Hotel was transformed from a three-and-a-half-story derelict SRO hotel to a unique Indigenous social enterprise that combines a boutique hotel with a street-level art gallery, that supports on-site housing and studio space for 24 Indigenous artists.

VNHS identified the vulnerability of many urban Indigenous artists – artists in need of housing, artists who for various reasons are not able to properly represent and market themselves or their work. Often these artists are commercially exploited through a long established ‘street or underground’ market that takes advantage of their vulnerability. They try to live ‘off their work’ by selling on the street or in the bars or through the commercial dealer network that purchases original, gallery quality art for, at times, only five or ten cents on the dollar.

By creating a live/work supportive complex with a built-in gallery and community production space, VNHS took a lead role in addressing the social and economic inequities that Indigenous artists can face. The Artists in Residence Program is a unique and life-changing housing program for practicing Indigenous artists. The program includes very affordable housing in clean, unfurnished bachelor suites, 24/7 access to shared artist workshops, and…Read More.

Skwachàys Lodge

ACCOMMODATION FOR THE ETHICAL TRAVELLER

Skwachàys Rooms

ROOMS & SUITES

Eighteen one-of-a-kind stunning rooms designed by six of Vancouver’s top hotel designers partnered with six Indigenous artists.

Skwachàys Features

FEATURES

Explore the many unique features that will make your stay at Skwachàys Lodge a one-of-a-kind experience.

AMENITIES

Check all features and services provided by Skwachàys Lodge.

Skwachàys Art Gallery

ART GALLERY

Located in the hotel lobby, our Art Gallery celebrates the artistic and cultural talent of Indigenous artists from around the world.

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

Skwachàys Lodge provides an affordable development space for many Indigenous artists, actors, and musicians that live and work here.

LOCATION

Skwachàys is centrally located at the crossroads of Vancouver’s historic Gastown, Chinatown and Railtown districts.

Skwachàys Lodge 2021 Awards

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Skwachàys 2021 Awards