Sakimay First Nation constructs new community center

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Next to the band office on the Sakimay First Nation stands the old community center, which was a curling rink 15 years ago. Across the road stands the brand new community center.

"It cost around a million dollars," said Randy Sangwais. "The other place was just too small."

The new center has a gymnasium, kitchen facilities, change rooms, an equipment room, a large classroom and offices for the Sakimay Land Authority.

Sangwais, who is both a band councilor and a lands manager for the land authority, will have his new office in the community center.

"We used to work out of a log cabin," he said laughing.

The Sakimay Land Authority is responsible for land, pasture and cottage leases. The Sakimay First Nation leases 256 cottages around Crooked Lake, in the Qu'Appelle Valley, on the north end of the reserve.

The new center was built by contractor Logan Stevens out of Yorkton.

"The contractors hired some band members at various stages of construction," said Sangwais. "The centre's funding came out of general band funds.

The construction began in September 1995 and was completed last June. The Sakimay Community Complex is now open and constantly in use.

The center is free to use for all band members, as long as there is no damage to the facility. Sangwais also mentioned that the band does have rental rates for non-band members, but they will not be actively seeking out clients.

Every evening, children have been participating in volleyball and floor hockey. But the band is in the process of establishing a committee to manage the operations of the center and establish a regular schedule of events. On Oct. 30, the center was used for a Halloween Dance.

The classroom is used for Grades 1 and 2. The band employs two teachers, one on a regular basis, and another to teach the Saulteaux language.