Lethbridge has a brand-new affordable housing development, which is the first of its kind, providing not only shelter, but also a place to build community.

The Aboriginal Housing Society held a grand opening for Iinii’toyis (Buffalo Lodge) on Friday, a day which was described as a “monumental day” by chair Melissa Many Fingers.

The apartment complex is located at the north end of Stafford Drive in the Legacy subdivision and offers offers subsidized one-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments for low-income Indigenous tenants.

The society was established in 2005 and has since built and developed 172 affordable housing units throughout the city, with the mission to provide Indigenous people with housing options that enable them to acquire the necessary recourses to sustain personal growth.

It works individually with tenants in a three-tiered program, beginning from low-income housing and then moving up to affordable housing and finally to home ownership. So far, they have 11 successful tenants who have made it through the home ownership program.

Resident are supported through consultations at the three-month, six-month and one-year milestones and beyond. Many Fingers says Blackfoot values are embedded in family and community, so having individual support is crucial for their success.

“Iinii’toyis is going to give them that community, resources, support, family (and) belonging to help them succeed,” said Many Fingers. “At the end of the day, if they’re willing to make that leap, we’ll be here to support them and work with them through the process.”

The apartment complex was a collaborative effort by many people and organizations, from municipal, provincial and federal sectors and stakeholders all working together. Many Fingers said while it wasn’t an easy process, seeing the results and the collaboration made it all worth it.

“When you’re able to work together in a timely fashion and keep going strong regardless of the trials and tribulations, anything can be accomplished.”

On the community centre, which is adjacent to the apartment buildings, there is a mural done by Hayley Heavy Shield and Wayne Provost, which represents all Indigenous groups. Many Fingers says it shows what can be done when nations come together.

About 50 people turned out in the rain to celebrate the grand-opening and naming of the community centre. The centre was named after White Tailed Deer Woman, who was married to Nicholas Sheran and, following his drowning, married Robert Old Shoes.

Many Fingers said being able to celebrate such a milestone in a culturally significant way was a meaningful experience.

“Being able to name this spot and bless it in the way we have in our ways is so meaningful not just for us, but also for tenants.”