The Saskatoon Tribal Council has been working toward a larger facility for the White Buffalo Youth Lodge, while the City has been advocating for a community recreation centre in the core neighbourhoods, and at the same time, Saskatoon Public Schools is in the design phase for a new elementary school to serve the King George, Pleasant Hill, and Princess Alexandra school communities. All three could be part of each other’s solution.

A city committee has given approval for administration to begin discussions about having the Youth Lodge attached to the school project on Avenue H where Princess Alexandra School is right now. White Buffalo Youth Lodge could be shared as a city centre recreation facility. The school division’s deputy director, Brent Hills, says they know full well from experience, partnerships improve outcomes.

Tribal Chief Marc Arcand told the Planning, Development and Community Services Committee that sharing services with the school would be a win-win for the school, White Buffalo Youth Lodge and the community. “It’s a big win-win for the city, a big win-win for the community, but it’s also going to be a shining light for a neighbourhood that needs a new school, and a new opportunity for a facility.”

White Buffalo Youth Lodge is governed through a partnership agreement between the City, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Central Urban Metis Federation and the Saskatchewan Health Authority.