11/02/2026
Renovation of the Nation's Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Village and Resort continues with a $315,000 grant from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to revitalize an existing boat ramp near the mouth of the Smith River.
Prior to the Nation's purchase of the property, the ramp and facilities had fallen into disrepair. The Nation plans to renovate the ramp and make it more accessible to the elderly, families with children, and those with limited mobility.
“Improvements of Xaa-wan'-k'wvt are an important part of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation’s broader vision to restore and revitalize our riverfront," said Tribal Council Chair Debbie Boardman. "This project will help improve safe and reliable access to the Smith River while strengthening a place that holds deep cultural and community importance to our people.
“We are grateful to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for supporting the design of these much-needed improvements and helping move this vision forward," Boardman said.
The boat ramp project is part of an ongoing renovation and redevelopment of the resort. This summer the existing RV camping area was completely overhauled, including re-grading and repaving the property, and installing new utilities such as water, sewer and electricity to the RV spots. The work also included the installation of a new drinking water main line, fire hydrants, lighting and concrete pads.
