by MBC News | Jul 12, 2022 | Current News

Kinistin Saulteaux Nation Chief, Council and community members attend a groundbreaking ceremony for their new family resource centre. Submitted by Kinistin Saulteaux Nation

By: Julia Peterson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Members of Kinistin Saulteaux Nation are eagerly awaiting their new family resource centre, which will offer a dedicated space for parenting classes, Elders’ gatherings and family services workers on reserve.

On Thursday, community members and leadership broke ground on the land for the new centre, and Elders performed a pipe ceremony and blessed the area and the use of the building.

First Nation spokeswoman Simone Coté said the new family resource centre is badly needed.

“The family resource centre is focused on our youth, and bringing our Elders in to work with youth and teach traditions and our culture,” she said. “We’re wanting to start right at the beginning with our youth, to bring back all those traditions and that culture that is not as prevalent as it used to be.

“The building will also house a number of our prevention and protection staff. We don’t have enough office space on reserve for all of our staff. So in this building, there will be 15 new offices as well as a boardroom.”

The centre will also feature two full kitchens, so there will be opportunities for people to learn to cook.

The new building’s name — Tikinagan Centre — also represents its mission. Tikinagan, which means “cradleboard” in Cree, is all about supporting, teaching and encouraging the youngest members of the community.

“Like its namesake, the Tikinagan Centre will be a place where we can nurture children and youth by providing a space where they can be part of the community and the activities happening around them,” said Chief Felix Thomas.

“It will be a safe space for young people to learn and for community members of all ages to come together.”

Coté said cradleboards, a protective carrier for transporting infants, have been an important part of Indigenous childhoods.

“If (parents) were working out in the field, the baby was in the cradleboard — maybe propped up against a tree, but always a part of everything,” she said.

Coté said construction on the building began back in the winter. Saskatoon-based company 3twenty Modular has designed six modular units, which it is hoping to deliver to the First Nation by the end of this month.

“When I went for a visit two weeks ago, all the drywall and ductwork and insulation was done, and they were starting on the outside of the buildings,” said Coté.

The 8,571-square-foot building will also be mostly solar powered.

“As a First Nation and protectors of our environment, we have to lead by example,” said Thomas. “This is one of the ways we can do that.”

Finishing touches on the building will take place on site and the First Nation is hoping to open Tikinagan Centre in September.