Red Sky Métis Independent Nation Purchase and Renovate Historic Building In the Southward!
by Scott A. Sumner
Red Sky Métis Independent Nation has purchased a building which will be used for the growth and expansion of the office administration, community programs and community resources.
“ Our new building, at 408 East Victoria Ave, is 3 storeys with each storey being 2500 square feet for a total of 7500 square feet. We bought the building a few years ago. The building was built in 1908 so 117 years old. We have had our offices next door for 37 years at 406 East Victoria Ave.” said Donelda DeLaRonde, Executive Director, Red Sky Metis Independent Nation.
The new building renovations were funded through Infrastructure Canada.
The renovations are to bring up the building to modern day standards. There are now two stairways and an elevator, as well as new electrical, plumbing, drywall, redone original hardwood flooring etc. The project was started October 2024 and should be finished within a month.
“ It is exciting as we have economic development and other programs starting in the new space. We want to help our members create businesses including online businesses. We service the Robinson Superior Treaty area from Batchewana Bay and the height of land and all the rivers flowing into Lake Superior which is a big area. The technology today means we can work with everyone, our members who maybe living all over.” said Donelda.
The Red Sky Metis Independent Nation also offer the their members and others, Hunters Education and Canadian Firearms Safety Courses. They have an open door policy so anyone can take this course.
Aurora Construction is the general contractor and have been excellent with all their sub trades according to Donelda.
“ It will be very positive for the area having the Victoriaville Mall come down. Other businesses are moving into the area so it is good. The street will be open and attract new business.” said Donelda
The overall goal of the project is to create a welcoming community space and new administration offices in the building located at 408 Victoria Avenue East, Thunder Bay Ontario P7A 1A5. The current administration office is small and cannot serve the vision for community growth and engagement. It will create a new functional space for the administrative staff, various departments and the community to share culture, training and allow growth as a community. A place where communities will benefit from this expansion as it allows for larger training classes to be accommodated with additional space for traditional, cultural and heritage practices and workshops.
Red Sky Métis Independent Nation™ (RSMIN) consists of descendants of the Indigenous Peoples that was recognized by the crown as beneficiaries and annuitants under the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850, in concurrence with the First Nation peoples. However, RSMIN is distinct from the First Nation peoples, by ways of our traditional lands, traditions, customs, and practices.
For more information Red Sky Métis Independent Nation's History can be found at www.rsmin.ca
