The Chief Little Bone Community Centre opened on July 19
CBC Indigenous: For some elders, the opening of the Chief Little Bone Community Centre was a long and emotional journey.
The new community centre opened on July 19 in Little Bone, which is located roughly 187 km east of Regina and is a part of the Zagime Anishinabek First Nation.
“There were a lot of elders who were fighting for the hall before our generation came in,” said Elizabeth Saranchuk Kaye, a member of the Little Bone community.
“I have my two sisters on the board that really fought for the hall as well. I’m happy.”
The building will be used as a recreation space and to hold cultural gatherings and public events.
Chief Lynn Acoose said the centre was constructed without help from Indigenous Services Canada. The community tried to access funding through the federal government for roughly 50 years but were unsuccessful.
Instead, Acoose said, the community used money from its Treaty Land Entitlement trust for the $3.6 million project.
“They’ve been waiting for a long time for a facility like this,” said Acoose.
“It’s really significant that the people of Little Bone can reclaim what was once theirs, and come together as a community to build their own future and make their own decisions.”
The community is also planning to use the new centre for health related uses such as immunization clinics, diabetic clinics and things that will help the overall health of the community.
“We’re happy that we were able to establish this for them despite Indigenous Service Canada not providing any kind of funding,” said Acoose.
She said it was important for the elders and the children to have a place where they could teach and learn about the history and customs of their community.
“We have plans for a playground, a cultural area, and a picnic area for the community grounds,” said Acoose.
Saranchuk Kaye moved back to her community 19 years ago. She was shocked when the planning for the community building began two years ago.
“I’m surprised that we got one so everybody can enjoy it,” she said. “It’s going to be really good for the children and the elders.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darla Ponace is a Saulteaux woman from Zagime Anishinabek First Nations. She started as an associate producer in the Indigenous Pathways program at CBC. She is currently working with CBC Indigenous Saskatchewan. You can email her at darla.ponace@cbc.ca with story ideas.