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Capital Expansion Update – September 2024


By Cathy Menard
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A photo of our Capital Expansion’s progress at 455 McDermot Avenue, taken September 27, 2024.

SAKIHIWEWIN LODGE IS TAKING SHAPE – CAPITAL EXPANSION UPDATE FOR SEPTEMBER 2024!

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 – These days, it’s exciting to pass by 455 McDermot Avenue and see the construction activity of the new Sakihiwewin Lodge – Ka Ni Kanichihk’s upcoming community campus. Since breaking ground in mid 2023, we’ve made significant progress moving forward to doubling the programming space for our community to gather, learn, and celebrate. As we prepare to open our new campus in 2025, here’s a glimpse at what’s been happening since our last update in June:

  • Main Floor: Concrete is poured, the south stairway is in place, and interior framing and partitions are set to begin in early October.
  • Second Floor: Floor topping is installed, with partition layouts and framing taking place after the topping is set. We’ve also started electrical and mechanical rough-ins in the ceiling.
  • Roof: The roof work is nearly finished, including the access hatch, membrane, and other key structural elements.
  • Exterior: Exterior framing and sheathing is wrapping up – windows, doors, and curtain walls will be installed by mid-October.

This expansion will more than double our existing capacity, providing a welcoming and supportive space for our growing community and we couldn’t be more excited!

When completed, the new facility will include:

  • A cultural centre for events and ceremonies
  • New prevention programs to help eliminate education and employment gaps, reclaim Indigenous culture, revitalize Indigenous languages, and break destructive cycles
  • An outdoor canopy and gathering space for on-site access to the land
  • A medical clinic offering culturally grounded care
  • A demonstration kitchen for healthy food skills training
  • 48 daycare spaces to support more parents engaging in educational programs
  • A central one-stop hub to connect Indigenous youth to resources
  • More classrooms and training spaces to expand opportunities for the community

This expansion isn’t just about adding space. It’s about deepening our commitment to breaking barriers, reclaiming Indigenous culture, and investing in the futures of Indigenous people and a stronger tomorrow for all. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this vision. Your support means that thousands more individuals will soon have access to the tools they need to transform their lives. Keep posted for more progress news! We can’t wait to welcome you our new Sakihiwewin Lodge in 2025!

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