AROLAND FIRST NATION, ONT. — The new Aroland First Nation Elders Lodge (ᑭᒋᐦᐊᐧᐃᑲᒥᒃ) will be a net-zero carbon building built to withstand the cold climate of northern Ontario.
The federal government is providing an investment of over $20.5 million from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.
The first elders lodge in Aroland First Nation, it will support the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of Elders in the community.
When complete, the facility will offer 20 private suites suitable for both singles and couples; a communal area with a craft room for cultural and social activities; a kitchen and dining room providing a welcoming space to prepare and share meals; and a fitness room to provide an indoor fitness space for individual or group activities.
“An Elders lodge will be built in Aroland and the project is fully funded from the ground up,” said Chief Sonny Gagnon of the Aroland First Nation in a statement.
“This building provides a way for Elders to continue living in Aroland instead of having to leave our community for assisted living. The Elders lodge will also provide a place for some of our elders who were forced to leave as a result of housing, assistance or medical needs to return. It was during a planning session for comprehensive community planning that the idea for an Elders lodge was brought up by community members.”
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