Blood Tribe renews commitment as gov’t funds shelter expansion
The Lethbridge Shelter and Resource Centre is set to expand by 125 beds thanks to $4 million in funding from the province. Jason Nixon, minister of seniors, community and social services, made the announcement Friday at the shelter, and signed a memorandum of understanding with the Blood Tribe.
Blood Tribe Department of Health Chairperson and Elder Martin Heavy Head said he’s happy with the Blood Tribe’s decision to continue their agreement to run the Lethbridge Shelter.
“After careful consideration, and review of our engagement with the Lethbridge Homeless Shelter, Blood Tribe Department of Health has agreed to continue with a multi-year agreement to manage the shelter,” said Heavy Head. “We hope that solutions will be found for homelessness and drug dependency and to discontinue the service. It is, however, a reality that homelessness and drug abuse will continue into the foreseeable future. We realize also that we are the best organization to provide the best alternatives for people in this situation.”
Nixon said the province recognized the need to try something different in Lethbridge with homelessness.
“Something had to be done different and the Blackfoot Department of Health stood up and took on what is a big challenge, and (has) done an excellent job.”
Lethbridge East MLA Nathan Neudorf said he is pleased that the Blood Tribe Department of Health is going to continue managing the Lethbridge Shelter.
“This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to providing essential support for those experiencing homelessness in Lethbridge,” Neudorf said. “We understand the increasing complexity of this issue and are taking substantial steps to address it comprehensively. I am delighted that the Blood Tribe Department of Health will continue to operate the emergency shelter spaces as they have been doing since January 2023.”
Nixon also acknowledged the need to have Indigenous leadership work with the Indigenous population.
“One of the biggest things that we’ve learned is the need to work with Indigenous communities, to have sometimes Indigenous only shelters, but also to make sure that we have Indigenous leadership, not just a partnership, but actually setting up Indigenous communities to lead inside our largest cities; to be able to help work with this important population. And nowhere is that more apparent than city of Lethbridge,” said Nixon.
Heavy Head said the responsibility the Blood Tribe to provide service with the frontline is significant.
“As leaders of the Blood Tribe, it is our responsibility to represent the interests and well-being of all Blood Tribe members, regardless of circumstance and location. We’re proud to stand there alongside the foot frontline staff, our partners and our community members today and everyday moving forward. And I also like to add that we’re managing the shelter. We’re trying to provide alternatives for the homeless here in Lethbridge, and mainly because a lot of our members are on the street here in Lethbridge.
This is a service that we want to extend out to them.”
Nixon said the Blood Tribe is setting an example for the rest of the province, and even the country, on how a shelter should be operated.
“I truly believe what we’re building down here will be the example to the rest of the province, eventually the example to the rest of the country and maybe even to the world on how we work with homeless populations and true reconciliation with our nation partners. Thank you for that partnership, and rest assured as long as I’m the minister it’s going to continue, and we’re going to continue to do great things together.”
Neudorf said the government is focusing their efforts on building a society that includes everyone.
“We are dedicated to creating a brighter and more secure future for all of Lethbridge and Alberta, working together to build a society that leaves no one behind.”