NationTalk: Alberta’s government is proud to celebrate the completion of new affordable housing in Lethbridge in partnership with the Blackfoot Family Lodge Society.
To give women and their children a fresh start and safe place to live, the Blackfoot Family Lodge Society’s Soaring Hearts project will provide 14 units for Blackfoot women and their children who are relocating from the Kainai, Siksika and Piikani reserves. The project received $3.4 million in funding through Alberta’s Indigenous Housing Capital Program and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
“This project highlights the creative solutions our government is proud to support through the Indigenous Housing Capital Program. Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home and this project will help Blackfoot women and families get that opportunity. I would like to thank all our partners for seeing this important project to completion.”
Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services
The homes will provide more affordable options and represent a new start for women and their children who may be starting new jobs, attending school or leaving difficult circumstances. Alberta’s Indigenous Housing Capital Program supports Indigenous governments and communities in building affordable off-reserve, off-settlement and on-settlement housing. Since 2019, $57.4 million has been committed to 20 Indigenous affordable housing projects.
“No relationship is more important to our government than the one with Indigenous Peoples. Today’s opening of Soaring Hearts in Lethbridge is an important step forward in providing everyone in Alberta a safe, accessible and affordable place to call home. The construction of these new homes would not be possible without the cooperation of all our partners on this project, and I wish the future residents of these homes all the best.”
George Chahal, MP for Calgary Skyview
“This is an exciting time to recognize the intent of truth and reconciliation, the outcome of true collaboration between Indigenous organizations and government agencies in acknowledging the needs of our Indigenous community members. Through the Soaring Hearts Project, we are able to provide beautiful, stable and affordable homes this year to 14 Indigenous women in transition to urban living. They will have access to the support and tools necessary for a successful relocation. Then they will leave the nest for permanent homes and 14 more will receive the same opportunity. Over the years, the Blackfoot Family Lodge Society will assist hundreds more through this project.”
Lance Tailfeathers, president, Blackfoot Family Lodge Society
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