New construction of 26 energy-efficient, affordable, accessible and culturally appropriate Elder-focused rental apartments for Métis residents has been made possible by the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Local 165, the Central Urban Métis Federation Incorporated (CUMFI), Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) and a working partnership of federal and municipal funders.
Round Prairie Elders’ Lodge affordable housing development will provide a unique living opportunity for Métis Elders in Saskatchewan. This Métis specific elders living complex will integrate community and cultural connection as part of the Elder’s living environment and wellbeing. The project’s primary focus is to address and overall improvement in the quality of life for residents. The Elder’s Lodge will provide affordable housing at below-market rates, focusing on community, social inclusion, and wellbeing. The building will focus on safety, energy efficiency and accessibility features for people with diverse mobility. The rental suites should be move-in ready before the end of the year.
Mental wellbeing, spiritual and physical health will be addressed through Métis identity, values, culture and language being integrated into the facility. Residents will have access to community involvement, gatherings, a shared space for ceremony and multifaith activities, outings, mental wellness counselling, a fitness centre, exercise classes, a focus on healthy nutritional food, and access to medical personal and healthcare. Métis connection to the land will be ensured at the housing unit and urban setting with plans for green space with fruit trees and traditional medicinal plants.
MN–S Local 165, CUMFI, has lead the development of this Métis specific Elders apartment living complex. Funding for the project has been made possible by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) through the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative (IHII), the City of Saskatoon (COS) through the Affordable Housing Capital Grant, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC).
Today marked the beginning of site construction, with a small COVID safe outdoor gathering and groundbreaking ceremony held at the project site on the 400 block 2
of Avenue P South. MN–S Vice President Gerald Morin was in attendance to present the facility with an original work by local Métis artist Laurie Cameron.
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan and MN-S Western Region IIA were able to contribute a total of $1.5 million to the Round Prairie Elders’ Lodge through its MN–S Regional Housing Strategy and the Canada-Métis National Housing Sub-Accord.
The MN–S contribution to the Round Prairie Elders’ Lodge moved the project from mixed market to fully affordable. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between CUMFI and MN–S Western Region 2A (WR2A) to ensure involvement in the project’s operations.
MN–S resident Elder Norman Fleury said, “An elders lodge needs to be based on piihtikway with a sign at the door that says, in all the languages that Métis speak, ‘piihtikway, welcome, come in’. That’s welcoming and that is culture. We need to find a balance in wellbeing and understanding of who we are in our language and culture. Regardless of age, teachings need to be shared. We want our elders to enjoy living who they are and connecting regardless of the time of one’s life.”
In September 2020, MN–S President Glen McCallum issued a mandate letter to the MN–S Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. It outlines the MN–S commitment to providing housing support to the most vulnerable MN–S citizens, ensuring Elders have access to safe living conditions and closing the housing gap between Métis citizens and non-indigenous Canadians in Saskatchewan. A copy of the mandate letter is available here.
MN–S President McCallum said, “Investing in the Round Prairie Elders’ Lodge project brings us one further step forward in our MN–S Government housing capacity building strategy for all MN–S citizens. Our Elders are our experts. Our elders have worked hard to be able to establish the wellbeing of our nation and we must care for their wellbeing also.”
Earlier this month MN–S contributed to the health and wellbeing of seniors at the Goodwill Manor (GWM) Special Care Home in Duck Lake by investing in a cross-cultural partnership that will allow COVID protocol safe visits in a sunroom to happen now and cultural events for the residents, staff and the community, into the future. A full media release is available here.
