Sturgeon Lake holds sod-turning ceremony for new Birthing Centre

Chief Christine Longjohn told paNOW this project is quite personal for her.

“I was born in Sturgeon Lake at the time when we had those older ladies who had that knowledge,” she said.

Back in 2022, Shirley Bighead, the Director of Health for the First Nation at the time, explained they wanted to give mothers the choice of avoiding a “cold, sterilized kind of atmosphere” when giving birth.

Bighead had been a longtime supporter and advocate for the project; however, she’ll never get the chance to see it as she unfortunately passed away back in July. However, the First Nation decided she needed to be recognized for her work so the facility will be called the Shirley Bighead nihtāwiki Birthing Centre.

“She was a real pillar in our community. Her voice and her spirit will continue to live on,” said Longjohn.

Meanwhile, the federal government is paying for the construction.

Multiple representatives were in attendance for the sod-turning ceremony along with the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC).

Longjohn didn’t want to say how much the federal government was spending, only mentioning they’re thankful for their commitment.

“This is what Truth and Reconciliation looks like, having their support and working as a team,” she explained.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow

by Jaryn Vecchio

Sturgeon Lake holds sod-turning ceremony for new Birthing Centre

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