The Asooahum Crossing development is making some headway.
Since the groundbreaking in September, crews have finished the foundations on the first 16 units of the planned 32 affordable housing units for Red Deer Native Friendship Society. The actual construction on the homes will begin in May.
Tanya Schur, Red Deer Native Friendship Society executive director, said they expect to have families moved into the 16 units by November.
“It’s really exciting,” said Schur. “Once the foundation is in and once the community can see you are really doing this that more and more people will come alongside to support it. We know that we’re in desperate need for affordable housing. We are in desperate need for healing in the communities.”
Schur said this is really what the calls to action stemming from the Truth and Reconciliation and human rights are talking about.
“Self-determination, self-reliance. All of these things are going to be taught and practiced on that land,” said Schur.
In the meantime, the society needs to raise about $4 million to build the cultural centre, next to the housing, at 4615 Riverside Drive, east of Lions campground.
On March 10, the society will host a fundraising night at Fratters featuring T Buckley Trio and Young Medicine as part of the Indigenous Music Fundraiser Series in Red Deer. Tickets are $15.
The centre will be a place where everybody can come together to celebrate Aboriginal culture and connect as a community.
The centre has about $6 million in place for 16 units.
Schur said the Red Deer Native Friendship Society will continue to seek funding opportunities for affordable housing.
To find out more about the centre, visit www.rdnfs.com
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com