SASKATOON - In a press release on December 3, the Central Urban Métis Federation, Inc. (CUMFI) announced the grand opening of the Round Prairie Elders’ Lodge, a newly constructed 26-unit residence for Métis Elders located at 412 Avenue P South in Saskatoon. The 25,881 square foot Lodge will provide culturally appropriate housing that is safe, affordable, and accessible.
CUMFI will deliver the proper supports while ensuring Elders are housed with dignity and a quality of life to promote health and well-being. CUMFI has long known the struggles faced by many Métis Elders, and the Round Prairie Elders’ Lodge provides an opportunity to address challenges such as isolation, lack of cultural supports, and safety with its many shared spaces. An outdoor area hosts a fire pit, raised planters with traditional medicinal plants, and gathering area.
The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) Ministry of Housing contributed $1.5 Million through the Regional Housing Strategy, with funding from the Canada-Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord. The support went toward the land purchase and a deposit on modular units.
The funders in the cross-cultural partnership include Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) through the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative (IHII) ($2,293,077), Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN-S) ($1,500,000); the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) ($683,845 (Forgivable Loan); $1,609,386 (Repayable Loan), Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) ($632,845) and the City of Saskatoon ($178,437).
Elders will be a valuable resource to the neighbourhood, with so many Métis knowledge keepers under one roof. Lodge staff intend to open the attached gathering room to the community to host meals, cultural and social activities, and provide teaching opportunities.
CUMFI President Shirley Isbister said, “We are very excited to have the Round Prairie Elders Lodge opening in the Pleasant Hill Neighborhood. It’s been two decades in the making and our Elders finally have a place to call home.
“For years we have seen our Elders struggle and make decisions between rent and other essentials such as medicine or food. CUMFI is proud to help in this small way to overcome these issues and we will continue to work for our Elders and people. By working collaboratively with Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments, this Lodge is now a reality.”
MN–S President Glen McCallum said, “This project exemplifies the success we can achieve through partnerships. The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan funding is one example of our Métis government’s commitment to increase housing capacity and stimulate the economy across the province. We are pleased to be involved in such a well-rounded, culturally appropriate housing project dedicated to our Elders. The Round Prairie Elders’ Lodge allows our elders to relax in comfort as they so deserve.”
“Congratulations to President Shirley Isbister and the Central Urban Métis Federation on the completion of this new lodge,” said the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services. “The Round Prairie Elders’ Lodge will provide a safe, healthy and culturally sensitive environment for Métis elders for years to come. I would also like to acknowledge the support of our delivery partner, the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers or CANDO, and the advice and guidance of the Indigenous Steering Committee, in making this project a reality.”
