Ontario is helping to create a new Elders Hub in Sandy Lake First Nation, which will serve as a gathering space to connect community members of all ages.
Funding through Ontario’s Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program will be used to connect the new Elders Hub to an existing seniors housing facility. The new space will be used as a community centre and spiritual gathering place, bringing people together and providing elders living at the seniors housing facility with the opportunity to maintain social connections and share their wisdom and experience.
Construction is expected to be complete by spring 2018 and will create approximately 12 jobs for local residents.
The creation of the Elders Hub is one of many steps on Ontario’s journey of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It reflects the government’s commitment to work with Indigenous partners, creating a better future for everyone in the province.
Investing in community infrastructure is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.
Quick Facts
- The Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program (ACCGP) provided $750,000 to the Sandy Lake First Nation for the construction of its Elders Hub.
- The Sandy Lake First Nation is an Oji-Cree community, 600 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay.
- ACCGP provides funding for First Nation communities and Indigenous organizations to build or renovate needed community infrastructure, such as community centres, day care facilities or small business centres.
- From 2003 to 2015, ACCGP has provided more than $34 million to Indigenous communities through 134 major and minor capital grants and related feasibility studies.
- ACCGP re-launched in June 2016 with a $3 million annual budget.
