*ATTENTION BAND MEMBERS IMPORTANT UPDATE ON THE ELDER'S CARE HOME*

MUSKEG LAKE SUSPENDS OPERATIONS AT THE MUSKEG LAKE ELDER’S CARE HOME

Unique Institution to Shut its Doors Due to Financial Contraints

After much careful thought and consideration, the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation has suspended the operations of the Muskeg Lake Elders Home. The decision was made due to the financial impact on band resources. The Chief and Council believe they can no longer support the use of band resources to subsidize the operations of the Elder's home.

The 30-bed facility which serves First Nation and non First Nation elders from across the province will be closing its doors on August 6th, 2010, putting the Elders in a situation where they have to move further away from their families.

"The Elder's Care Home was envisioned as a place where Elder’s would be cared for in a culturally sensitive institution by other First Nations people and close to their friends and families," said Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Chief Cliff Tawpisin. "In a time where Canada faces a crisis in providing care for our rapidly aging population, the suspension of operations at the Elders Care Home leaves a gap for providing such needed care for this unique group of older adults."

The Province Of Saskatchewan’s funding of 15 of the 30 beds was much needed, but unfortunately the operations of the care home could not continue at this level of funding. The Prince Albert Parkland Health District was a valued partner in the establishment and operation of the care home.

The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs' moratorium on operating funding for long-term care facilities on-reserve is a contributing factor to the suspension of the operations of the care home.

"We believe strongly in the need for on-reserve care for Elders," added Chief Tawpisin. "We think the lack of financial support from the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs shows a lack of commitment to those Elders who wish to remain in their home communities where they are cared for compassionately by their fellow community members. This is part of building a Nation. Being able to care for our own people in our own communities has always been our goal since our predecessors negotiated for the Medicine Chest provision in Treaty 6. The Chest was promised to always be full. We want to find ways to make it work."

For more information or to schedule an interview contact Paul Ledoux, Director of Operations at 306-466-7245 or .

Join us at our Press Conference on Wednesday July 28, 2010 at the Muskeg Lake Boardroom Suite 100-103 B Packham Ave, Saskatoon at 9:30 AM.

FUN in the Sun Camping Trip - Ages 8 - 16

Leaving: Tuesday July 27th from Band office @ 4:00pm

2 nights at Petequakay Lake

  • Bring your own Tent
  • Bug spray
  • Swimming stuff
  • Towels
  • Clothes – for hot and cold weather
  • Good attitude…..ready to have loads of fun
  • FOOD PROVIDED

Returning July 29th between 4 - 4:30pm

Please have a ride to pick you up when we get back.


For more information call Alex at 466-7746

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