The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC)

“The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC) is opening a dedicated Elders’ Lodge that offers affordable housing, indoor and outdoor spaces for land teachings, ceremonies and healing. The Lodge will be located in the northeast community of Highland Park and will be home to 12 residents, integrated with areas used for ceremony, cultural activities, supports, and a meeting space for the Elders Knowledge Council. This is a community and a gathering place that creates a sense of ownership and pride. The Lodge will provide access to cultural activities for many Indigenous seniors who may otherwise become depressed as the offerings in other seniors’ centres are just not the same type of lifestyle they had. Many Elders moving into urban centres have nowhere to meet as a community, tell stories, and practice and connect to cultural activities. Calgary is home to more than 41,000 urban Indigenous Peoples representing various Nations across the country. The 2016 census indicates a 23.1% increase in the Indigenous population aged 45 and over in Alberta, highlighting the growing need for housing tailored to the needs of Indigenous seniors. To address this demand, the City of Calgary's 2018 Housing Needs Assessment acknowledges the necessity for culturally sensitive housing and related support services tailored to the local Indigenous community.” (Booklet Positive Lived Experiences of Quality in the Built Environment 2023 p.11). https://www.calgary.ca/our-leadership/articles/elders-lodge.html