Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation Retirement Home Celebrates 25 Years in Business

Lakeview Lodge, a personal care home located on the Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation, has now been in operation for 25 years.

To celebrate the event, the nation held a gathering on the grounds of the retirement home, inviting guests from across the region.

The 40-bed care home was established in 1999. When it opened, it was the first of its kind: owned and operated by First Nations for First Nations.

The facility, which overlooks Echo Lake, is a vital part of the community, housing the keepers of essential knowledge.

“As elders, they are the affirmation of our identity. They pass on the knowledge that we speak. They are important to us in our governance structure for all nations,” said Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation Chief Roger Redman.

Over its 25-year history, Lakeview Lodge has welcomed hundreds of guests. Many families from across the country have been touched by what is offered at the lodge. Members of more than 60 First Nations across the province have also called this place home.

“We were fortunate to be able to provide them with that care and give them a home. In a way, we took them in as our own family,” Redman said.

Lakeview Lodge manager Angela Redman said the facility will continue to serve its community and beyond. She hopes others will see the importance of retirement homes in Indigenous communities.

“A facility like this would benefit all First Nations because they want their people to stay in their homes. I encourage all First Nations to do what they can to keep their families in their homes,” she said.