Sagkeeng First Nation officially opened its new housing complex this past spring with the support of the University of Manitoba’s College of Rehabilitation Sciences. The 10-unit facility, called Wiiji Bimoseyang Binesi – meaning Thunderbird Helping Them Walk in Ojibway – will support adult community members in need of housing and living with disabilities.
After several years of research, the housing project broke ground in March 2024. Earlier this year, Sagkeeng First Nation celebrated the complex’s official opening before welcoming its first residents on June 15.
The complex includes residential suites along with a common area for recreation and community activities. Designed to create a fully accessible living environment, the facility provides more equitable health services to the Sagkeeng First Nation.
“The new space offers more than a facility – it creates a place of connection where students are invited to listen, learn and respond to the lived realities of Indigenous Peoples” said Margaret Hart, Indigenous scholar (Ininiw) in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences.
Our Project Management team proudly managed the delivery of the housing complex. Sagkeeng First Nation also received support from over a dozen First Nation communities in Manitoba, the Sagkeeng Health Centre, and federal funding agents – including the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Indigenous Services Canada and several other key partners.
Congratulations to the Sagkeeng First Nation on the completion of this important, community-driven health initiative.
“The Colliers Project Leaders team did an exceptional job with our supported housing complex project. We are totally happy with the work.”
– Audrey Henderson and Sharon Courchene, Coordinators, Supported Housing Complex, Sagkeeng First Nation
Read more at UM Today & Rady UM.
