Sask. First Nation uses wood from old grain elevators to build its first homes
A Saskatchewan First Nation is using wood from old grain elevators to build some of the first homes on its land.
The goal is to give members of Lucky Man Cree Nation, a community about 100 kilometres east of North Battleford, the opportunity to live in their home community.
The federal government set aside land for the community in the 1980s. Its members are scattered throughout Saskatchewan and Canada, descended from ancestors who were displaced.
Terrance Okemow, a councillor with the First Nation, points to first ever home on the land and calls it a symbol of hope.
“This is where our community is going to start growing from,” he said.
He is one of about 120 members who grew-up far from the First Nation.
Lucky Man Chief Crystal Okemow said the goal is to bring them home.
“It’s vital for us as a nation to get back on the land,” Chief Okemow said.
The plan is to have 12 homes running on solar power in the next five years. The net-zero homes will be made with recycled wood from an old grain elevator.
Chief Okemow said leadership wanted to be mindful of climate change and the Federal Government’s plan to reduce emissions by 2030.
“We just wanted to be proactive,” she said.
Elaine Pelletier, an elder in the community, said the houses will be a foundation for the next generation.
“Our kids that are coming behind us will call them homes,” she said.
The first home is scheduled to be finished in March with electric heat and sewage, while water will be hauled in. The home will be used to host elders during cultural gatherings.
“It will be good for the elders that come in teach us,” Pelletier said.
“It’s a real healthy place to stay.”
The hope is to establish the land and put the Cree Nation on the map.
“When you mention Lucky Man not everyone knows where it is,” Chief Okemow said.
Terrance Okemow said the community fell behind when the treaties were signed in the 1870s. The band did not secure its land until the Treaty 6 land entitlement was finalized in 1989, according to the government of Canada.
“When we get funding, Lucky Man always falls through the cracks because of our population,” he said.
Despite the hurdles, he said leadership is working on future projects to grow the community.
“I can’t wait until we have more houses and community thriving off the land."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
First standardized housing designs coming in December, but won't be permit-ready until 'early 2025'
The first iteration of the federal government's standardized pre-approved design catalogue – a revival of a wartime housing effort – will be unveiled in December, CTV News has learned.
He told his mother there was 'no way' he'd meet someone in Australia. Then he fell in love at first sight
Mike Grossman was adamant he wasn’t going to fall for anyone in Australia.
'Headspin hole': Man develops scalp tumor after decades of breakdancing
Researchers in Denmark have published a case report revealing an unexpected consequence of one of breakdancing's most iconic moves: the headspin.
Severe weather has some snowbirds leaving Florida, others battening down the hatches
When Julie Riddell and her husband, Gerry, bought their Fort Myers, Fla., vacation property in 2009, it didn't cross their mind that they might be buying in a hurricane-prone area.
Food banks continue to face a surge in demand
As millions of Canadians head into the Thanksgiving weekend, food banks across the country continue to see a surge in demand.
Indian politician known for his close ties with Bollywood is killed in Mumbai
A senior politician in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, who was also known for his close ties with Bollywood has been shot dead weeks before a key state election.
5 things not to say to a grieving friend
It’s almost impossible to know what to say to someone in the throes of grief. We all want to say something comforting. Very few of us know what that is.
How gloves belonging to Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe wound up in Newfoundland
A five-hour drive from St. John's, N.L., and well off the beaten path, Point Leamington seems an unlikely spot for a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction.
Picture-perfect engagement under Manitoba northern lights
Sometimes love is written in the stars, but for one couple, it’s written in the aurora borealis.