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by Logan Lehmann
Residents travelling from the north to Prince Albert for medical needs and appointments now have a place to stay in a home away from home.
Members from the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) and Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation (HLDN) were joined by dignitaries from the city, province, and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) this week to celebrate the opening of the new and improved Sprucelodge Medical Boarding Home.
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The lodge is owned by both the PAGC and HLDN, and provides accommodation, meals, and transportation for First Nations peoples accessing medical care in Prince Albert, operating within the city for 40 years.
“I am proud of standing here today to celebrate the new chapter of Sprucelodge,” said HLDN Chief Bart Tsannie.
“Sprucelodge has been part of our story for many years, it is a place where our people can rest, eat, and feel safe when they come to Prince Albert — not just our First Nation, but other First Nations utilizing this building.”
Members of the Prince Albert Grand Council, Hachet Lake Denesuline Nation, and Sprucelodge Medical Boarding Home cut the ribbon to officially open the new facility. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW)
Tsannie said access to health care in the north is not easy, and people travel hours on winter roads or fly south for treatment. Sprucelodge gives them a place that feels like home.
“It shows that the north matters, and that our people deserve the same level of care as anyone else.”
The new facility was bought in 2022. Located on 34th Street West, it was previously the Days Inn and was originally built in 2000.
Major renovations have been made since PAGC and HLDN leadership took control of the property three years ago, including expanding the kitchen to a commercial size, adding offices and a boardroom, and removing the pool and waterslide.
According to Sprucelodge general manager Lyle Garcia, the hotel originally had 80 rooms but because of the extensive work and upgrades needed, several rooms needed to be removed and the total number now sits at 65, with capacity of somewhere around 150-200 people.
Garcia added that the staff at the new Sprucelodge were all employees of the former Days Inn Hotel, including himself, who starting as a housekeeping manager in 2018.
The new Sprucelodge relocated from across the street, where they formerly occupied the old Ramada Hotel on 2nd Avenue. PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said that the move was a much needed upgrade.
“Over the years, we had the Sprucelodge down the hill. That was a small building, we use it as a daycare now. We had Ramada for a while, but now we have this beautiful building.”
“Sprucelodge has come full circle,” Hardlotte said in a release. “It stands as a symbol of partnership, care, and community. This new chapter with Hatchet Lake shows what can happen when Nations work together for the wellbeing of our people.”
The first Sprucelodge was opened in 1985 and had just 10 rooms. Friday’s event also featured drumming, blessings, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new facility.
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