Sioux Valley Dakota Nation — The Dakota Oyate Elder Care Lodge will benefit from energy-efficiency and accessibility renovations after an investment of more than $2.9 million from the federal government. Announced by Minister Sean Fraser and Chief Vincent Tacan, this project will work towards making the Dakota Oyate Elder Care Lodge in Sioux Valley Dakota Nation a fully net-zero facility.
Funding will go towards renovations to improve accessibility to the nursing station, which will enhance the health services at the Elder Care Lodge. Solar panels and an energy efficient heating system will be installed. In addition to this work, HVAC upgrades will be made to support the new heating system which will regulate the building’s temperature more efficiently. Once complete, these improvements are expected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 104 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 0.83 tonnes annually.
The Dakota Oyate Lodge is a leader in providing specialized care to those in need with an expert team of clinicians and counselors. Elders who move into this community facility maintain healthy lifestyles while living with others who share similar values and history.
“Investing in green infrastructure helps tackle the impacts of climate change, makes communities more resilient to its impacts, while protecting the environment. I am proud that we were able to support the Dakota Oyate Elder Care Lodge. This important facility helps Elders stay in the community they call home, and these upgrades will help ensure its sustainability for generations of Elders to come.” – Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities