Cumberland House Cree Nation has begun construction of a new band office nearly a year after the old one burned down in an alleged arson.
The First Nation announced construction of the building last Thursday. Planning for the 15,458 square foot office is to be completed by the end February. Chief Rene Chaboyer said he promised “to build what the community needs” after the original building burned down last December.
The completed project will include daycare services, a band news release said.
Since January, staff have been based out of a former band office; Chaboyer said he informally worked out of his truck.
He said the search for the alleged arsonist continues and he has considered increasing the reward for information to $20,000 from $10,000.
“Somebody knows who’s out there,” he said.
Last December, Chaboyer called on the federal government to support rebuilding efforts through Indigenous Services Canada. That help never arrived, aside from assistance with converting band-owned, single-wide trailers into a temporary office, Chaboyer said.
The band opted against that route because it would take too much time and effort for a short-term solution, he said.
A band news release said the First Nation financed the new building through its own resources and an insurance claim on the old building.
Saskatoon company 3twenty Modular will develop the new building with the First Nation. It boasts an energy efficient design that will include a wood-pellet furnace and an air source heat pump, a band news release said.
When the new building opens next year, Chaboyer hopes its central location along the Saskatchewan River will be more accessible. Previously, some residents had to walk for up to 40 minutes in winter weather to access the office, he said.
The new location will make it easier for them to reach band services, despite the difficulties of the last few months, he added.
“What I tell my members is good things take time to develop.”
