Pimatisiwin supportive housing facility and shelter houses community members often described as ‘hardest to house’
amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, AB) – NiGiNan Housing Ventures hosted Edmontonians at the grand opening of the Pimatisiwin supportive housing and shelter facility today, alongside its support workers and residents.
Located at the former Sands Inn & Suites in the neighbourhood of Elmwood Park in Northeast Edmonton, Pimatisiwin is the first facility of its kind in Alberta, providing supportive housing and shelter in the same space.
“At Pimatisiwin, we strive to meet people where they’re at,” says NiGiNan Housing Ventures CEO Keri Cardinal. “We follow an Indigenous recovery model, guided by the four natural laws of kindness, honesty, sharing and strength. In doing so, we provide as much love, care and support as possible. We keep people housed and connected to their recovery journey by building relationships and practicing Indigenous ways of knowing and being – Ceremony is at the core of everything we do.”
“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home,” says Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser. “We will keep working with our partners across the country to make this a reality for all Canadians. I am incredibly proud to see this project come to life for Indigenous People in Edmonton with unique needs and wish them the very best as they start new chapters.”
“Our government is dedicated to making sure everyone has a safe, secure place to call home,” says Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon. “Projects like Pimatisiwin are vital because they offer not just housing, but also the culturally appropriate care that people need to get back on their feet. By working closely with Indigenous communities, we’re ensuring that we can provide the right kind of help for those who have experienced homelessness.”
Pimatisiwin, which translates to ‘life’ in Cree, currently has 50 shelter spaces, 54 supportive housing units and 6 enhanced care suites catering to individuals with higher level needs. The facility also utilizes a continuum of care model which houses residents previously in acute care hospital beds, saving Albertans tax dollars.
At the heart of Pimatisiwin’s model of care is Ceremony – reconnecting residents with Indigenous cultures and Knowledge. The facility follows the Grandfather Teachings and offers sweats every Friday, regular pipe Ceremonies, smudging and sharing circles.
This project is funded in part by Canada, the Government of Alberta’s Social Housing Corporation and Alberta Health Services; the City of Edmonton, Homeward Trust and the Red Road Healing Society.
For more information visit the website at: niginan.ca
About NiGiNan Housing Ventures:
NiGiNan Housing Ventures is an Indigenous-led, registered non-profit charity formed to address housing. We are dedicated to providing supportive affordable housing opportunities for individuals and families who have not been successfully served by any other organization in Edmonton. We house those with complex needs, while enabling them to create homes for themselves.
