Dettah opens seniors facility
Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services
Dettah (May 23/01) - With drums and the sprinkling of holy water Dettah welcomed a new elders' complex earlier this month to stem the steady flow of elders moving to Yellowknife.
The $600,000 building sits almost in the heart of the community of 250 residents, beside the band office and a stone's throw from the church.
Bishop Denis Croteau blessed each room with holy water and gave a short homily differentiating nature's concept of shelter and the human concept of home.
"I don't know too many birds that build nests for old birds," said Croteau.
The building's construction began late last fall but according to Gerry Cheezie, manager for the Yellowknives Dene housing corporation, the legwork started in 1999.
"We're trying to keep elders close to their families," said Cheezie.
The building -- named after Immii Drygeese, the chief who signed Treaty 8 with the Crown in 1899 -- is the product of joint funding between the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA), Diavik, and the Yellowknives. New Age Construction did the construction.
Roger Allen, minister of MACA, said the Immii Elders' Home is the fourth elders project completed in the territory this fiscal year.
Allen said his department is trying to build 91 "independent seniors units" across the NWT. So far 37 have been built including the five units at Immii.
"The seniors are feeling comfort, that have some security," said Allen.
One of the units is fitted for an elder with disabilities and all units have their own entrances.
With one communal kitchen and gathering room the building is spacious with a large wooden porch and big windows.
Dettah Chief Richard Edjericon said with the new building Dettah elders can stay in Dettah.
"The Aven's (Manor) home is taking some of our membership," he said.
"I think it's important we keep the elders in our community," he said.
Yellowknives Dene elder Michael Paper lost his wife of 50 years two months ago and has been living with his son who has two children. But he doesn't have to move to Yellowknife now.
"This is going to be my home," said Paper with a smile.
"It's good, everybody is happy," he said.
