Duchesnay Elders’ Lodge officially opens
By Brad Aubin
Nipissing First Nation (NFN) has officially opened its Duchesnay Elders’ Lodge.
Officials say the new facility is part of a larger project that includes 10 assisted living units in Garden Village and 10 in Duchesnay.
The units offer supportive living with 24/7 staffing, meal services, cleaning and the possibility of person care through home and community care staff.
“This project has been decades in the making,” says Yvette Bellefeuille, Nipissing First Nation Councillor. “The vision has evolved over the years, but the goal has always been the same – to keep our Elders close to home, in a space that reflects their culture and importance to our Nation.”
The lodge had its grand opening last Monday (June 30).
Officials say it provides much-needed assisted living units that allow elders to remain in their home community, surrounded by culture and family.
NFN says it secured $6.85 million in funding from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Rapid Housing Initiative in 2023 to support the projects in Garden Village and Duchesnay.
