Sunchild First Nation Launches Urban Office in Red Deer This December

URGENT UPDATE: Sunchild First Nation is making a significant move to support its urban members by opening a new office in Red Deer this December 2023. This new facility aims to provide essential resources and services to the approximately 800 members living away from their community, which is located about 150 kilometers northwest of Red Deer.

The office will enhance access to vital administrative services, including band registries and financial support for students and families. Currently, many members must travel back to the community for these services, but with the new urban base, they will have a dedicated space to receive assistance just as they would at a traditional band office. Chief Joey Pete emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “They’ll be able to get that assistance and support through the nation on whatever it is that they’re facing.”

The new Red Deer office will feature around 20 offices and several boardrooms, designed to facilitate council meetings, board meetings, and community programs. Chief Pete noted that Red Deer was strategically chosen for its central location and proximity to many Sunchild members.

Urban member Jolene Gopher, who relocated from the First Nation over 22 years ago, expressed her enthusiasm for the new facility. “It’s a happy feeling,” Gopher said, highlighting the office’s potential to help those who often struggle with housing and transportation in urban settings. “It would be very beneficial for an off-reserve member to come into town and know that they have an office to go to, to get that referral, that support.”

The office is also expected to address challenges faced by students, who often encounter financial and cultural barriers while pursuing education in urban areas. Chief Pete underscored the necessity of having a strong support system, stating, “A student is going through hardships, or they need somebody to come in and help them catch up on their work. Or if they hit a financial constraint, then we can offset, help them with some food, pay their power, things like that.”

The emotional impact of this initiative is significant. Chief Pete stressed the goal of helping urban members feel more connected to their cultural roots, saying, “The most important piece of everything is having that connection with your home, the land, and the entire community.”

Theresa “Corky” Larsen-Jonasson, part of the Red Deer Urban Indigenous Voices Elders Circle, pointed out that one of the biggest challenges for members moving to urban centers is feeling overwhelmed and isolated. “A huge issue is loneliness. Because you come from a tight-knit community where people know each other. And coming to an urban setting, all of a sudden, that’s all gone,” she explained.

Looking ahead, Chief Pete confirmed that plans are already in motion for an additional office in Edmonton, aiming to serve the significant number of members residing there. “A lot of members are in Edmonton too, and a lot of our meetings are in Edmonton,” he said. “So we’re looking at another suboffice in Edmonton. This one here is just the beginning.”

As Sunchild First Nation prepares to launch this vital resource, the focus remains on creating a supportive environment for urban members and strengthening their ties to the community. The anticipated opening in December is set to be a transformative step for many, marking a new chapter in accessibility and support for Sunchild members living away from their home community.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.