Muskoday First Nation opens new lodge for Elders

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There was a time not too long ago when the Elders of the Muskoday First Nation had difficulty finding a location where they could hold their monthly meetings. Often the meetings would have to be held in either the band hall or the council chambers, depending on whether either location was available. Now, the Elders will never have to face that problem again.

On June 7, the ribbon was cut on the new Muskoday Elders Lodge. The building, standing just south of the main band hall, was built specifically for the Elders in order to provide them with a space to meet, reminisce, and teach.

Elder Wilfred McKay, who is chairperson of what he calls the Elders' club, said the new lodge will be a welcome change.

"We can now come here daily, instead of once a month," he said. "We can now spend more time together talking and thinking back, and to gather as Elders."

McKay also hopes the new lodge will help bring out other Elders in the community who don't normally come to meetings.

Muskoday Chief Austin Bear is proud of his reserve's commitment to the welfare of the Elders. "The Elders have always been honoured by the people," said Bear, "and they deserve their own building in which to gather and visit. We were fortunate enough to have the resources to provide this building, and it shows to the community and to others that we truly do care about our Elders and that we are willing to give back."

In a speech, made later in the proceedings, Bear commented that the vital teachings of the Elders were nearly lost in the past, but that the lodge will help secure those teachings forever. To the Elders, he said, "The building is now yours."

The lodge is furnished with a television, couches and armchairs and a dining room set, and also has a kitchen area. Plans for expansion of the building are in the works, but for now, the Elders are just glad to have their own lodge.

"We're relieved. We now have our own place," said Elder Viola Williamson.

"We've wanted this for nearly 20 years," Elder Eliza Crain added.

Muskoday band councillor Herman Crain, whose portfolio includes Elders' issues, said the lodge is only part of the services provided to Elders on Muskoday.

"The band provides home care services to the Elders, as well as yard work and garbage disposal," said Crain. "(The lodge) was built and furnished by the band, using band revenues and gaming dollars."

Crain also mentioned that the Elders won't have to worry about the cost of utilities or landscaping, as the band will provide funding for them.

Crain pointed to the lodge as a concrete example of casino revenues being used in a positive manner.

"Critics might say that gaming dollars aren't being put to use, but here's proof," he said, adding that the next goal is to build an Elders care home on the reserve.

The provision of an Elders lodge was a project very dear to the community and to the chief and council, Crane said.

"We wanted the Elders to be treated with respect, and we wanted a place that they could take control of and call their own. Over the past five years, we've lost between 15 and 16 Elders, and we want those still remaining to know that they are still useful people in the community."

"Today we have lots to be thankful for. We thank the Creator for our Elders" said master of ceremonies Lyle Bear. "Today is another milestone for Muskoday, as we see another dream become a reality."

Following the official ceremonies, those in attendance were treated to a tour of the new lodge, and of other facilities located on reserve. The lodge will be open daily, and Elders can drop in at their leisure.