Peepeekisis opens first Indigenous-owned funeral home in Saskatchewan

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“We heard that when the funerals were held in the gym, it’s like the spirits of the people who died are leaving residues in the building. Then that sadness and pain from the funeral are being left in the building and turned to the children,” said Lafontaine.

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Entry hall of the Peepeekisis Funeral Home. (Image Credit: Christian Lafontaine)

Now, the First Nations own their own dedicated 10,000 square foot funeral home, located in Lorlie, Saskatchewan.

The new funeral home features an entry hall, gathering hall, private and family meeting rooms, a full kitchen, and catering and floral services. Funeral services through the home include cremation, traditional burial, memorial products, and ceremonial and ritual services.

“Everything is designed with culture in mind,” said Lafontaine.

“I think it’s important to have a space where everybody feels welcome. And that their cultures and traditions are honoured and respected.”

Lafontaine said the facility has a ventilation system designed to allow smudging inside the building. There is also space where families can stay overnight, and fire pit outside for families who wish to continue fires that they started at home throughout the funeral process.

The ceiling of the funeral hall was designed to resemble the medicine wheel. (Image Credit: Christian Lafontaine)

“For years, this community has needed a facility where we can come together to celebrate the lives of our loved ones,” said Peepeekisis Cree Nation Chief Francis Dieter in a statement.

“This facility is inspired by our First Nation heritage, but we aim to for it to be accessible to everyone. Peepeekisis is unique in that we embrace a diverse range of races, cultures, and religions, and our community has always been welcoming to all,” said Dieter.

The funeral home has not yet begun providing services to the community, but once their doors are open, Lafontaine said the priority is to make everyone feel safe and welcome.

“It’s not just open to people from Peepeekisis or other First Nations, but everyone of any culture or religion. We really want to emphasize that,” said Lafontaine.

State room of the new funeral home. (Image Credit: Christian Lafontaine)

“My hope is that all the people that come through here, they know that they and their loved ones are well taken care of, and they were given the utmost care and respect, regardless of where they come from. Everyone here is treated equally.”

The total cost of the funeral home is $7,076,375, to which Indigenous Services Canada contributed just over $1 million through the Community Opportunities Readiness Program.