Grand Chief Cody Thomas and Canadian Government Officials gathered in Enoch Cree Nation (Photo Credits - Daniel Barker-Tremblay)
The Government of Canada and Alberta announced an invest of 66 Million will be going towards affordable housing to help build 335 new housing units and 129 shelter beds for those in need of a home in Alberta. The investment is cost-matched by both governments thanks to the Canada – Alberta Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.
The funding, delivered through the Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP), will support a range of initiatives, including the development of new affordable housing for Indigenous elders, seniors, families, newcomers, and women and children. Other projects will include specialized housing and support for vulnerable Albertans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, are fleeing domestic violence, and/or struggling with mental health and addiction issues.
25 Million Dollars will be given to Enoch Cree Nation to build a mixed-income elders lodge on the reserve, and $21.2 million for the Metis Nation of Alberta to construct housing for people recovering from addictions in Edmonton.
CFWE Radio spoke with Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development for the Government of Alberta. He says the Elders Lodge is needed for the reserve for knowledge to be passed on to future generations acting as a library for the community.
Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment and workforce for the Government of Alberta speaking in River Cree in Enoch (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)
Boissonnault says that not only is the Government and Grand Chief Cody Thomas working towards getting the Elders Lodge built, additionally it will create jobs for the community within Enoch.
Boissonnault adds that after the funding is finalized, he is hopeful that shovels will be in the ground in less than a year for the Elders Lodge.
Boissonnault says that the promise of Canada applies to everyone, with the 6 Million Dollar investment made towards building homes and facilities, over one-hundred thousand jobs will be created across the province.
Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services says one of the areas that the provincial level that needs to be worked on is partnerships with First Nation Communities, with the funding towards Enoch and the MNA, he adds that this is the first step towards building those partnerships.
Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services speaking at the announcement in Enoch (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)
Jared Morin, Council Member of Enoch Cree Nation spoke on behalf of Grand Chief Cody Thomas, as he says that this is a long time overdue for the Nation to receive the care facilities needed for the Nation, and says that this is a good platform for not only Enoch but other Nations as well to potentially receive facilities in their communities.
Grand Chief Cody Thomas speaking at the announcement within Enoch (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)
During the announcement, Grand Chief Cody Thomas quoted:
“Enoch Elder’s Lodge stands as a testament to our collective commitment to honouring and supporting our elders, ensuring they have a place where their wisdom is cherished, and our community thrives. This has been a priority for our Nation for decades, and a key pillar for our Council since taking office in 2023. I am pleased to see the Provincial and Federal government come together in this way, and I believe this can be the first of many Elder’s Lodges on First Nation lands across Turtle Island. With this $25 million funding commitment, we embark on a journey to construct a sanctuary where generations connect, stories are shared, and the legacy of our elders endures.”
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