Prince Albert’s Aboriginal Head Start moving to new home

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“Every child who walks through our doors deserves a place where they feel safe, valued, loved and connected to who they are,” she said. 

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(Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The site was originally one of two pieces of land gifted to Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan by the City of Prince Albert and Lake Country Co-op. 

Tammy Forrester, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan, said the board of directors realized they would not need the entire gifted space. In the spirit of collaboration, partnership and reconciliation, the board approved transferring the land to the Head Start program. 

“And I just think this is one of the most special moments, certainly in my time with Ronald McDonald House, and I think for the future of the kids,” she said. 

Deanna Bendig’s mother was a longtime board member, and Bendig herself went through the program. Acknowledging her own children now attend the program, she said she is proud of what Head Start is today. 

“This program not only supports Indigenous children, it creates community for those children,” she said. 

Bendig added how proud she is when her children come home expressing their excitement over what they’ve learned about nature, culture and the community. 

A young child takes a handful of dirt from Tammy Forester. The dirt was then placed into small container and will be on display when the new building is completed. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Western Region 2 director Sherry McLennan is also the board chair and has been involved with the program for more than 20 years. 

She acknowledged foster children who come from homes where culture is not taught, or who were taken from their own families at a young age. 

“Having the opportunity to learn who they are is amazing,” she said. 

The construction phase is expected to be completed by Fall 2027. 

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 nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell