Skip to content

Doors officially open to Asooahum Crossing

Special ceremony held in Red Deer with two Alberta ministers
9088351_web1_171025-RDA-Asooahum-Crossing-opening_1

Another safe, accessible and affordable housing option is now a reality with the official opening of Asooahum Crossing in Red Deer.

On Wednesday, community members and government officials gathered to celebrate the long-waited Red Deer Native Friendship Society project.

After a ribbon-cutting ceremony, community members along with local and provincial government officials broke out in a round dance as the drumming continued in the background.

The occasion called for it, after all, a decade long dream — to have safe and affordable housing for local Indigenous people — had come true.

Dwight Mandrusiak, president of the Red Deer Native Friendship Society, said the facility on Riverside Drive will provide a safe and cultural living space Indigenous Elders, youth and families looking for affordable housing but the homes are open to the entire community.

Elder Lynn Jonasson from the Red Deer Native Friendship Society said praying happens out in nature but we do need buildings today. He said the friendship centre has outgrown itself and there’s a need for more space for ceremonies and to keep the culture alive.

“Sweat lodges, powwows, Sun Dances, there are hundreds of ceremonies and we don’t have a particular building,” said Jonasson.

The second phase of the project will offer just that — more space.

Mandrusiak said the second phase of the project will consist of 22 apartment units, office space as well as a community centre for weddings, funerals and other community gatherings. It is expected to be completed in 2020.

The project was first proposed 10 years ago and comes with a price tag of about $5 million.

Three out of the 16 units in two buildings are occupied currently.

Mandrusiak said there’s a need for affordable housing in Red Deer.

Mayor Tara Veer said the City of Red Deer continues to support the project and the project is an example for the province and the country for a community shared journey towards reconciliation.

Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Seniors and Housing, who attended the celebration, said the provincial government recognizes other supports that the City of Red Deer can use.

“That’s why we are improving schools, roadways and public services Red Deer residents count on and working to make life more affordable,” she said.

Kim Schreiner, Red Deer-North MLA, who was present at the ceremony on Wednesday said the Red Deer Native Friendship Society has immensely committed to the project.

“Asooahum is Cree for the word crossing. It’s not a noun but a verb. Thus this crossing is not a place but a process for First people,” she said.

Schreiner said the project creates the environment for Indigenous people to be empowered and create their own “good lives.”



mamta.lulla@reddeeradvocate.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter