Central Urban Métis Federation Incorporated has started construction on the Round Prairie Elders’ Lodge at 412 Avenue P South. It’s a 26-unit, affordable housing development for Métis Elders in Saskatoon in the Pleasant Hill neighbourhood. Construction is expected to be complete by October. CUMFI has committed to ensuring Indigenous contractors are engaged throughout construction.
The Lodge will provide a wide range of supports for Elders on site in addition to shared amenity space for the community to enjoy, including a ceremony/prayer room and a courtyard featuring traditional medicinal plants and fruit trees.
The Federation says, thanks to financial contributions from government partners, the project will achieve rental rates that are 30% below market, and energy efficiency that is 40% better than current new construction standards. Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) provided $1,500,000 in funding for the Lodge. The City of Saskatoon provided $178,437 in funding.
Métis architect David T. Fortin took inspiration for the design of the building from the traditional Métis homes constructed around Saskatchewan. “Recognizing that the urban context is quite different than that of the rural folk home, we tried to take visual cues and overall space planning ideas that we have learned about over the years and translate certain aspects in a contemporary way. We were truly honoured to have this opportunity to try to respect the traditional Métis ways while honouring our Elders.”