Alberta’s government is taking a new approach in addressing homelessness by fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities to provide affordable housing and supports in culturally appropriate settings. As part of this approach, Alberta’s government has partnered with NiGiNan Housing Ventures and the City of Edmonton to create more affordable housing and temporary shelter space for Indigenous communities in the city.
Through Alberta’s Indigenous Housing Capital Program, the province invested $2.1 million in bilateral funding along with the Government of Canada. Located at the former Sands Inn & Suites in the Elmwood Park neighborhood of northeast Edmonton, the new facility—called “Pimatisiwin,” a Cree word meaning “life”—includes 54 supportive housing units and six enhanced care suites for individuals with higher-level needs. This facility will provide Indigenous peoples with affordable housing and specialized supports designed specifically for those who have experienced homelessness.
“Our government is dedicated to making sure everyone has a safe, secure place to call home. Projects like Pimatisiwin are vital because they offer not just housing, but also the culturally appropriate care that people need to get back on their feet. By working closely with Indigenous communities, we’re ensuring that we can provide the right kind of help for those who have experienced homelessness.”
“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. We will keep working with our partners across the country to make this a reality for all Canadians. I am incredibly proud to see this project come to life for Indigenous people in Edmonton with unique needs and wish them the very best as they start new chapters.”
By strengthening cultural connections and empowering local partners, Alberta’s government is ensuring that communities across the province have the necessary resources to support individuals experiencing homelessness. This includes access to safe and secure shelter, as well as essential supports to help them regain stability and independence.
“At Pimatisiwin, we strive to meet people where they’re at. We follow an Indigenous recovery model, guided by the four natural laws of kindness, honesty, sharing and strength. In doing so, we provide as much love, care and support as possible. We keep people housed and connected to their recovery journey by building relationships and practicing Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Ceremony is at the core of everything we do.”
Quick facts
- Funding for the NiGiNan Housing Ventures’ hotel conversion project includes:
- $2.1 million through the bilateral agreement between the governments of Alberta and Canada under the National Housing Strategy
- $5.8 million from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Rapid Housing Initiative
- $5 million from the City of Edmonton
- Through the Indigenous Housing Capital Program, Alberta’s government has approved $73.5 million for 22 projects totalling 521 units.
- Alberta’s Indigenous Housing Capital Program supports Indigenous governments and communities in building affordable off-reserve, off-settlement and on-settlement housing.