Pimatisiwin, a Cree word meaning “Life”, is a supportive housing location that provides humane and low-barrier access to services for individuals with histories of trauma and difficulty accessing housing. Previously the Sands Inn & Suites Hotel, the building was converted as part of rapid housing initiatives with support from the City of Edmonton and Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The conversion to supportive housing began in 2021 as temporary bridge housing before NiGiNan acquired the building as a permanent supportive housing project. 

The building is made up of 54 self-contained apartment units with a capacity to accommodate up to 90 residents, including six accessible enhanced care suites catering to individuals with higher level needs in collaboration with Alberta Health Services (AHS). In winter 2023, a need for emergency housing was realized and work began in creating space to shelter up to 50 residents during the cold winter months at the Pimatisiwin site.

Renovations will continue through 2024 and, when completed, will offer a range of vital services including:

  • congregate recreational and social areas for resident use;

  • a beautifully designed Ceremony room;

  • access to medical care; and

  • access to cultural supports and ceremonies.

NiGiNan Housing Ventures has created a Good Neighbour Plan, a tool for developing and maintaining a positive relationship between supportive housing and the community. The plan outlines the shared commitments of the service provider and community, identifies who the community can contact with concerns, and includes an issue resolution process. 

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Resident Stories

Some things that may seem small to some people mean the world to our residents. So far, our residents are finding friendships, achieving goals, feeling safe and reconnecting with family, among so many other successes. These four residents were gracious in sharing their stories from the first few months at Pimatisiwin:

A man wearing all black is smiling, standing beside a woman in a wheelchair. She is smiling and giving the "peace" sign.

Michael & Terra

Terra Uchytil and Michael Rogers wanted to have their photo taken together shortly after meeting their first day at the Sands. Michael and Terra became fast friends. They provide each other friendship and emotional support. It is their goal to become roommates and support each other when they are ready to live independently. 

Since moving in, Terra has found sobriety for four days in a row twice, a commitment she states she has not been able to achieve for years. Their bond truly shines a light on reciprocity.

Jack

Jack, last name to remain anonymous, came to us from the Bissell Centre in May 2021. He suffers from an almost chronic suicidal ideation, and often walks away from housing due to self-shame. One morning, Jack shared his feelings with a trusted staff member, discussing leaving the home and possibly this world forever. He said he would go for a walk and would not return. He was reminded that he always has a home with NiGiNan at the Sands.

The employee wrote a letter to Jack but he did not read it right away. Instead, he read the letter to himself, memorized it word for word and could repeat every word aloud without looking. It was a letter filled with affirmations and reminders of home. Jack continues to use this letter, to return home and to thank staff for creating this safe place for him to be himself.

Anonymous

A resident who chose to remain anonymous wanted to share her story. She spent her childhood in the foster system and never had a real home. She took care of her niece, who also spent time going through the foster care system, for much of their life. While they both use cannabis, thankfully neither of them struggle with addictions. They find themselves drinking as a way for others to allow them to stay on their couch for a night. Neither of them wants to consume alcohol but would partake to be sheltered.

They were able to be housed next door to each other and we are working on finding housing for the two of them to continue their journey and support each other moving forward. They have both since moved out to live independently, together and are seeking employment.

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