April 15, 2021 – Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) is bringing a little sunshine into the lives of residents at the Goodwill Manor (GWM) Special Care Home in Duck Lake by helping families reconnect in a COVID safe environment.
A significant contribution from the MN–S government is going toward a sunroom/cultural room built onto the south side (front) of the home, providing a beautiful space that will allow for private, safely distanced, family gatherings and traditional cultural ceremonies.
Métis Local #10 President, Candy DeBray was enthused by the George G. Gauthier Foundation’s project at GWM and felt compelled to pursue the possibility with MN–S. “This will provide a safe visiting space and multi-purpose family sunroom for our elders and their loved ones and enable them to maintain their important family connections,” DeBray said.
MN–S President Glen McCallum said, “Métis Nation–Saskatchewan has been actively creating partnerships and relationships focused on health and healthy living. We did not hesitate at this opportunity for cross-cultural partnership building and direct improvement for our elders’ wellbeing.”
Built in the 1986, the staff of GWM recognize the need to provide social and cultural opportunities and teaching events to all of the residents which include approximately 50% of their residents identifying as Indigenous. The sunroom will provide the opportunity for residents, their families, staff and visitors to participate in rich Métis traditions and ceremonies, and educational programming down the road.
Cheryl Prediger GWM Site Lead and Director of Care explained, “The goal of our resident’s home is to provide holistic care that encompasses the spiritual, physical, emotional and mental well-being of our residents. This generous gift from MN–S gives GWM that safe, multi-purpose space not only out of respect for our Indigenous residents but all residents and their families now and for our resident community in the future.”
Métis people have helped shape Duck Lake to be the vibrant community it is today. The MN–S contribution is an allocation of COVID-19 relief funds and covers approximately 75% of the sunroom/cultural space. The George C. Gauthier Foundation will lead the project which is to be completed this fall.
Photos of Goodwill Manor and the artist’s rendering of the sunroom are attached for use by media outlets.
