Invitations have been sent out for the grand opening of the wellness, treatment and recovery centre. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

healthy communities

LLRIB wellness centre grand opening scheduled for National Indigenous Peoples Day

Jun 7, 2022 | 4:43 PM

The grand opening of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s (LLRIB) wellness, treatment and recovery centre is expected on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Construction on the $16.1-million, 20,000 square-foot facility began in May 2020 and includes 24 beds for clients, offices for prevention and recovery employees, along with traditional and multi-purpose rooms. The back of the building will feature a pond with walkways, as well as a structure that can be used year-round for sweats.

The opening of the facility is about six months behind schedule as LLRIB chief Tammy Cook-Searson initially expected work to be done by the end of 2021. Construction was made possible through an $11.6-million commitment from the federal government, $2.5 million from the province and $2 million from the band itself.

“Thank you to the project team, and all the community members from the youth to the Elders that provided input into our community vision,” an invitation to the event states. “We look forward to the new opportunities that this project will provide for all northerners. The capital project was community-driven and is a direct result of working together and supporting each other.”

The ceremony on June 21 is expected to include a ribbon cutting, tours and a community feast. There will be speeches from dignitaries, traditional drummers and singers, as well as entertainment.

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In June 2021, larongeNOW toured the facility when construction was at the halfway point.

A slate of events is planned for National Indigenous Peoples Day. (Submitted poster/Tammy Cook-Searson)

To celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, the band will also host festivities at urban reserve in La Ronge. It will involve a parade, children’s activities and a cultural showcase, lunch, fish fry and fireworks at about 10:30 p.m. at the downtown beach.

Kikinahk hosting well-known entertainers

La Ronge’s Mel Hegland Uniplex has been booked by the Kikinahk Friendship Centre for a show starting at 7 p.m.

The show will begin with comedian Don Burnstick and will also include musician Donny Parenteau. The non-alcohol event is free to the public and will last until 10 p.m.

“Don Burnstick is promising something really big because it’s National Indigenous Peoples Day and, of course, Donny Parenteau and his band are well-known and really good,” Kikinahk executive director Ron Woytowich said.

Woytowich noted it was difficult booking entertainment for the show, adding there could be more entertainment announced before June 21.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno