VISION

The vision for the new hostel is to create a warm, welcoming and secure residence for clients traveling to Sioux Lookout for medical reasons. The vision and design of the facility was determined through input from a large number of stakeholders, including; First Nation members, Chiefs, Health Canada and the Government of Canada, the Sioux Lookout First Nation Health Authority, Elders, future generations, hostel staff, families, the Municipality of Sioux Lookout and the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre.

The contributions of these stakeholders guided the architectural design of the facility. The architectural expression is focused on a central drum that gathers people with the heartbeat of mother earth, and summons the grandfathers represented by the stones, to teach, to learn and to heal. The central space of the facility has been designed to resemble a drum, which will create a sensory experience for clients when it is raining or people are singing. Traditional ways of eating and living will be promoted to provide clients with a nurturing environment that facilitates healing and focuses on health and wellness.

Above: Artist's rendering of the new hostel's main entrance.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the new hostel will be to:

▪ Provide overnight residence for clients from 31 northern communities traveling to or through    Sioux Lookout for medical care;

▪ Provide extended stays for maternity patients;

▪ Provide accommodation for client escorts;

▪ Provide accommodation for patients discharged from SLMHC;

▪ Allow for family friendly accommodations as up to 20% of residents may be children;

▪ Coordinate the dispatch of six transport vehicles used for transporting clients;

▪ Serve residents of southern communities as well as Pickle Lake; and

▪ Potentially develop services for patients requiring three month stays as part of FNIHB approved support for those relocating to Sioux Lookout for medical services.