Longhouse and Cultural Centre Operations

Under One Sky took the key findings of the community needs assessment as well as the five strategic objectives from our feasibility study and identified 2 core user groups:

1. Indigenous Peoples seeking safe and culturally appropriate services

2. General public who want to learn more about Indigenous culture by participating in Indigenous led programming and engaging in intercultural dialog

The facility and programming will contribute to Fredericton’s significance as a cultural capital, drawing on our central location near the Wolastoq River and the rich cultural traditions and talents of our First Nations community.

“I want my kids to learn about Indigenous culture and understand why it is so important. If we could go to a wellness centre for support instead of somewhere that doesn’t understand us that would be amazing.”

-Community Member

This programming reflects the historic role of the Longhouse as well as the more contemporary format of a cultural centre. The core programming will be delivered by Under One Sky and additional programming will be provided in partnership with other local not-for-profits and service providers.

The centre will contribute to the vitality of the neighborhood, offering a dynamic range of programs and services to all whom will walk in our doors. To share a classroom with other children speaking their own language. To seek mental health support or the services of a community nurse. To prepare for a pregnancy. To upgrade their skills for a rapidly changing job market. To weave the warp and the weft of an ash basket, as our ancestors have before us. To gather for a community feast. To launch a start-up. To hear the teachings and stories of our Elders. to embrace, rejoice, and celebrate one another. To participate in the renewal of Indigenous culture.

This Longhouse and Culture Centre will provide programs and services that reflect the aspirations, abilities, and needs of Indigenous people. Our goal is to provide full-circle services for all stages of life, ability levels, and backgrounds. Spaces are designed with flexibility in mind to ensure that the facility and programs will be resilient to changing needs and priorities of the community for generations to come. spaces and programming will be provided in these 4 priorities:

  • Under One Sky will build on its partnerships to meet the health needs of the Indigenous community by delivering a holistic range of professional healthcare services grounded in Indigenous teachings.

    • Nurse Practitioner Clinic

    • Mental Health Counselling

    • Family Success Program

    • Housing support service

    • Indigenous Birthing Centre

    • After school program

    • Elder Supports

    • Preventative Health (nutrition, diabetes, etc)

    • Specialized group activities

  • Our Indigenous community will practice, reclaim, and strengthen our culture and welcome all to participate. Sharing in these cultural practices are what carries our culture from one generation to the next.

    • Visual, digital and performing arts workshops

    • Storytelling, poetry and prose readings

    • Performance art showcase series

    • Reconciliation and other thematic displays

    • Interactive cultural experiences and galleries

    • Indigenous art gatherings

    • Young Elders program

    • 7 generations - permanent installation on sustainability

  • Under One Sky and partners will provide a range of education, training, and development programs that meet the needs of all ages and abilities. The programs will prepare people with the tools and skills needed for the future.

    • Cultural Diversity Training

    • Healthy Eating and community kitchen

    • Indigenous Lecture Series

    • Elder in Residence Series

    • Indigenous arts and knowledge (beading, basket-making, weaving, canoe-building, etc.) programs

    • Culturally centered STEAM camps

    • Job Readiness training

    • Women in STEM

  • Community is at the heart of Indigenous culture. Coming together is how we realize our full potential as a society. Our gathering spaces will be inclusive and multi-generational, and create opportunities for dialog and collaboration and building relationships. It is in the power of community that we place many of our dreams and hopes for our next generation.

    • Circle of Friends -community gatherings

    • Children’s camps

    • Treaty and reconciliation events

    • Seminars and discussions

    • Equity, diversity, and inclusion action groups

    • Ceremonial events

    • Conferences, workshops, and assemblies

    • Festivals