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What do you think the new centre should look like and include? (Submitted photo/PAGC)
Survey

HAVE YOUR SAY: PBCN/PAGC seeks input on rebuild of Senator Allan Bird Memorial Centre

May 24, 2023 | 10:19 AM

A new version of an iconic building of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) is in the works and your input is needed to help complete the vision.

The Senator Allan Bird Memorial Centre was destroyed by a fire in April of 2022. It was named after a late Elder and decorated veteran from Montreal Lake Cree Nation. The building was the main gathering place for events like round dances, wakes, sports and Fine Arts festivals. It was also a meeting spot for the government of the 12-member Nations and their annual assemblies.

Since it truly was the heart of the community, the project management team is welcoming community input for the rebuild. By filling out this survey, YOUR responses will be considered when factoring in the design, use and layout of the centre. With enough information, the architects can begin with a conceptual design that accurately reflects the needs and wants of those who use it.

The Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre was destroyed by a fire in April, 2022. (Facebook/Ken Landers)

While the fire was a devastating loss, the rebuild also means a chance to create new memories. The centre was first built in 1940 and at one time was the gymnasium for the residential school. Since then, people had come to regard it as a place of healing. It is our hope the new building can not only be a place of healing, but also a place of inspiration.

HAVE YOUR SAY on what the new Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre should represent.

The survey is open to all members of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and or Prince Albert Grand Council. The last day to contribute is May 28th at 5 p.m.

Click link below to fill out survey.

Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre Reconstruction – Community Engagement Survey

The rebuild project management team would like to thank the community in advance for assisting in the vision for what we know will become another iconic and important gathering place for our people.

*This content was created in partnership with paNOW’s commercial content division.

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