THUNDER BAY—Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and Fort William First Nation say the Ontario government has given permission to proceed with the next phase of planning for a 96-bed long term care facility.
In a joint announcement on Monday, they said the facility "will be for all of the First Nations Dilico services and all Indigenous people."
No specific amount of money has been allocated for the project as yet, but Dilico executive-director Darcia Borg said the go-ahead from the government allows for Phase Two of planning.
"It will include consulting and engaging with the community, including the First Nation and the City of Thunder Bay, identification of the land, and then from there pursuit of the funding," Borg told Tbnewswatch.
The long term care home will be constructed somewhere on the Fort William First Nation.
"It is a known fact that the care needs of Indigenous peoples are complex. Indigenous seniors are aging at a rate faster than the general public, and have multiple chronic diseases with limited access to health care," the joint statement said.
Borg said her agency looks forward to providing "a full continuum of culturally safe services." She said there is a great deal of work still ahead, "but we know through collective vision and wisdom we will see this exciting project come to fruition."
"We're really excited...It is quite an accomplishment" for the project planning to move into the next phase," Borg added.
She said the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care will concurrently review both the capital and licensing requirements for the project.
Borg expects it will take three to four years to have the new building ready for occupancy.
Chief Peter Collins said Fort William First Nation "is honoured to partner with Dilico Anishinabek Family care in providing long term care services to our Elders."
