Ogimaa Tim Ominika says the recently announced $45-million dollars coming to Wikwemkoong Unceded Territory for a new long-term care home has been a long time coming.
He says the long-term care licence for the facility was set to expire this year adding the care home was built in 1972 and had reached the end of its lifespan.
Ominika says it was too small to meet the demand for spaces, had no common areas for cultural events, and needed costly repairs.
The territory and the Ontario government had held numerous discussions over the last five years to discuss the funding but did not make much headway, but that all changed last week.
Ominika says the province came through with the money for the new facility where Elders can live surrounded by the land, language, and people of their community.
Premier Doug Ford and his ministerial entourage took part in the groundbreaking ceremony last Thursday.
Construction of the new 96-bed Wikwemikong Nursing Home will take place in the Spring and create up to 50 new jobs with an opening slated for late 2026/early 2027.
“This investment means a safer, modern home for our Elders – and good jobs for our community,” says Ominika.
“It builds on our vision of a strong, self-reliant future for Wiikwemkoong, where our youth see how we honour those who came before them.”
“This investment means a safer, modern home for our Elders – the carriers of our language, stories and teachings.
This new facility will ensure they continue living surrounded by the land, language, and people who give them strength.
It brings our Elders home, where they are cared for in ways that reflect our culture.
This project is more than a building — it reflects our vision for a strong, self-reliant future for Wiikwemkoong, where our youth see how we honour those who came before them.”
