Construction begins on Saskatoon's newest supportive housing unit
The 16 unit, 24 bedroom building will provide a safe space for those removing themselves from abusive situations. The facility is thanks to the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan, alongside partners from all three levels of government.
'We need to remember that our people, our citizens, are distinct and they're unique, and we cannot expect the colonial systems to continue to implement programs and services that are not for them,' said Beverly Fullerton, Minister of Health, Mental Health & Addictions for Metis Nation Saskatchewan. 'With Metis Nation, it's absolutely amazing that we can actually address the issues and then wrap our citizens around that love and care and respect they deserve.'
The facility will provide culturally-appropriate services, including childcare, education and round-the-clock support workers.
While the space has been curated by Saskatchewan's Metis Nation, the building is open to Metis, Indigenous and non-Indigenous women and children, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
'There are no borders. There shouldn't be any borders,' said Glen McCallum, President of Metis Nation Saskatchewan. 'That's why this place is going to be open for Metis, First Nations, Inuit and non-Indigenous folks that are struggling with domestic violence, and to be able to have a safe place to come to.'
The location for the building has a special place in the hearts of those on the organizing team. Located in one of Saskatoon's newer neighbourhoods, Kensington, Fullerton says the location will help remove some of the stigma that comes along with supportive housing.
'When we think about our society, we'll normally look at whether it's homeless, domestic violence victims or addictions. There's some weird reason why we assume they need to be in the not-so-great areas of our cities, and so they offer them a space and show they're worthy and they are welcome.'
The facility is expected to be operating by fall of 2026.
'We still have a lot of work to do behind the scenes, making sure our programs and supports are going to be addressing the issues,' added Fullerton. 'Things like this, we don't always want to rush them, but we know the need is there. So we'll be doing everything we can to get it open as soon as we can.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
B.C. family sues health authority and school district following teenage daughter's suicide
Surrey parents searching for answers and accountability in their daughter's death by suicide are taking the fight to court. Editor's note: If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health there are a number of ways to get help, including by calling or texting Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8. A list of local crisis centres is also available here. A South Surrey family is suing a B.C. health authority and the school district their daughter attended following the teenager's death. Laura and David Donovan, as well as their two daughters, are named in a notice of civil claim filed August 12 against the Surrey School District, a school counsellor, Fraser Health, and an employee of Fraser Health. The family is claiming the defendants engaged in negligence and breach of duty in relation to their daughter's death. Daughter died two days after cancelled appointment On Dec. 19, 2023, Felicity Donovan died by suicide. The 16-year-old previously attended a program through Fraser Health called START, which stands for Short Term Assessment Response Treatment. The month she died, her weekly appointment was cancelled due to her counsellor being ill. Two days after the cancelled appointment, the teenager, who was an Abenaki member of the Odanak First Nation, died. 'We haven't had a chance to grieve' Felicity's father David said the family has been pleading for answers for months, meeting with stakeholders and filing Freedom of Information requests. David said they have faced a number of challenges, such as Fraser Health previously providing the Donovans with inaccurate information. 'We haven't had a chance to grieve, because we've been fighting the Surrey School District and Fraser Health,' he said. Read more: Grieving B.C. family wants answers after losing teenage daughter to suicide The family believes taking their fight to court is the only way to get the answers' they've been searching for. 'I see Frasher Health as a place where truth goes to die and the school district is basically a stone wall vault for truth,' Laura said. 'I'd like to shed some light in these dark places.' Allegations haven't been proven in court The claim cites general and punitive damages, as well as a formal public apology to the Donovan family and the Abenaki Nation of Odanak. In the claim's statement of facts, the Donovans allege, 'the defendants knew or ought to have known that Felicity was an Indigenous youth experiencing mental health challenges and suicide risk, and that timely, co-ordinated, culturally safe intervention was required.' None of the allegations have been proven in court. In a statement to CTV News, the Surrey School District said, 'Surrey Schools does not comment on ongoing legal matters or matters involving individual students.' Fraser Health said it also does not comment on matters that are before the courts. The health authority added, 'the loss of a child is an unimaginable tragedy, and our hearts go out to this young person's family. We extend our deepest condolences.' 'Felicity's truth' The Donovans' advocacy has forged some change. In August 2024, Fraser Health implemented a new standard protocol in its START program related to the employee absence reporting process. Read more: B.C. family's search for answers in teenage daughter's suicide met with challenges Laura said she wants to see systemic change for other families, and Indigenous children who are at a higher risk of suicide. 'I'm not going to let them bury Felicity's truth,' she said.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Ruscio family donates $200K to Sault Group Health Centre
The Ruscio family donated $200,000 to Sault Ste. Marie's Group Health Centre for new surgical and ear, nose and throat equipment. The CEO called the gift extraordinary, saying it will have a lasting impact on the community.
CBC
3 hours ago
- CBC
Cambridge Bay health centre on reduced services until end of month
Cambridge Bay's Kitikmeot Regional Health Centre says it is offering only emergency services until Aug. 30. The decision was forced by staffing shortages, according to a post on the Cambridge Bay community Facebook page made by a community health nurse recently. Some services will still be available, the post said, including midwifery, doctors visits, lab work and x-rays, depending upon urgency. CBC contacted the centre for clarification and was told that staff are asking people to call ahead if they have any health concerns.
