Peepeekisis Funeral Home, located in Lorlie, SK adjacent to Peepeekisis Cree Nation, will create a safe space to perform traditional protocols
BALCARRES, Saskatchewan, July 18, 2024 – Peepeekisis Cree Nation (the Nation) is deeply honoured to announce the creation of the Peepeekisis Funeral Home, developed by MÎWÂSIN Development Group. From a vision led and developed by the Nation, this facility will provide a safe space for mourning and celebration, where traditions and cultural practices are respected and honoured.
Historically, Indigenous peoples have faced the challenge of traveling long distances to mourn their loved ones. This new facility, conveniently located in Lorlie, SK, eliminates that barrier, allowing the Nation and its surrounding communities to grieve close to home.
This Nation-led development will create a sacred place that upholds the traditions and cultural rituals of Indigenous peoples, which are distinct from Western funeral practices.
“We want to create a space that caters to our traditional ways,” said Chief Francis Dieter, Peepeekisis Cree Nation. “Many funeral homes don’t allow for smudging and ceremonies – Peepeekisis Funeral Home is going to change that. We also want to make funeral services more affordable for everyone and offer a wide range of services and products.”
The Peepeekisis Funeral Home will offer a mix of traditional and contemporary services for the Peepeekisis Cree Nation and neighbouring Nations and communities. This includes burial services, green burials, memorial services, cremation services, and ancillary products such as urns and caskets. The one-of-a-kind custom-built facility will feature ceremonial elements and artwork that reflect the First Nations culture and traditions of the Peepeekisis people.
This transformative development is the first under the newly formed MÎWÂSIN Development Group, the co-development company between Peepeekisis Development Ltd., the economic arm of the Nation, and Steel River Group Ltd.
Peepeekisis Cree Nation and MÎWÂSIN Development Group are excited to share more about this important development as the vision for the facility materializes. Construction is set for Spring 2025.
