The Siksika First Nation has been awarded a provincial grant for a 24-unit housing project for high-risk families through the Rapid Housing Initiative.

“The fact that we have this opportunity, this grant, to help us build this type of project on reserve is a great testament to the hard work that our people have done in Siksika Family Services,” says Samuel Crowfoot, councillor for Siksika First Nation and chair for Siksika Family Services, adding that calling the housing project “Children’s Village” will help provide transitional housing for high-risk families and youth to help them get back on their feet.

Crowfoot says that like with many other First Nations across the country, members of the Siksika First Nation were taken away from their homes and separated from their families during the times of the residential school system.

The way that Crowfoot and the Siksika First Nation team are combating this history is to build these 24-units for people to have a place to call home, and to help keep their culture strong with the younger generations and not lose their identity.

Crowfoot hopes for the project to be completed by spring of next year by rushing to get the exterior portion done so that the interior can be completed during the winter.

Last week, a breaking ground ceremony was held with elders blessing the land and giving gifts. Once the building is complete, similar ceremonies will be held.

For more information, check out SIKSIKA FAMILY SERVICES CORPORATION RAPID HOUSING INITIATIVE – AFFORDABLE/TRANSITIONAL HOUSING (siksikanation.com) or their Facebook page at Siksika Nation Administration | Facebook.

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