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- calendar_today October 29, 2026
Milestone for First Nation Elder Care in New Brunswick
Elsipogtog First Nation will soon host New Brunswick's first licensed long-term care home operated by a First Nation, marking a milestone for Indigenous communities in the province. The facility is designed to keep elders close to their families and community, offering care that prioritizes language retention and cultural preservation.
Preserving Language and Culture
Chief Arren Sock emphasized the importance of the new first nation elder care facility in supporting language and cultural continuity. “The big reason why we chose to continue this effort to build this elder care facility was for the language,” Sock stated. He noted that keeping elders in the community helps preserve the Mi'kmaw language, a vital aspect of their heritage. Sock became emotional when sharing how some councillors have parents who must live in facilities outside the community, making the announcement especially meaningful for many.
Community Support and Involvement
Bo Augustine, the administrator for Elsipogtog First Nation, called the care home a longstanding dream within the community. “We are people that are very firmly rooted in learning how to take care of ourselves and how important it is for us to take care of our elders, our parents,” Augustine said. The community views the care of their elders as a tradition passed down through generations.
Facility Features and Project Timeline
The new elsipogtog facility will contain 60 beds and will be located near the community on Graham Road in the municipality of Five Rivers, which surrounds the First Nation. Of the 60 beds, 24 will be designated for residents with mobility challenges, 24 for those with memory loss or in need of greater care, and the remaining 12 will offer full-time nursing care. Construction is set to begin in the spring, with the elder care home expected to open in spring 2029. The province has committed $10 to $15 million in funding for the project.
Impact on Families and Elders
Amber Joseph, an Elsipogtog community member, currently travels 75 minutes to Sackville to visit her mother. She expressed relief and excitement at the prospect of bringing her mother, and other elders, closer to home. Joseph recounted the hardships experienced by elders living away from the community and the difficulties faced by family members balancing work, child-rearing, and long drives to visit loved ones.
Laura Levi, a former Elsipogtog councillor, said the idea for a long term care home in the community has been discussed for more than a decade. “This is so wonderful, and it would be like being in the family every day because the people here love to see each other, especially the elders that don't go out at all,” Levi said.
Addressing Broader Needs in Senior Care
Premier Susan Holt acknowledged the province’s aging population and the increasing necessity for accessible senior care. She noted that keeping care close to home benefits both elders and their families, especially grandchildren. Holt also referenced current capacity issues, with some seniors waiting too long in hospitals distant from their communities. The new indigenous care facility aims to address some of these gaps by enabling community elders to age with dignity in a familiar cultural environment.
Source: cbc.ca.
