By: Jessica R. Durling, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Humboldt Journal

Following a fire which destroyed their band office in 2019, the Cumberland House Cree Nation has inaugurated its new band office in Cumberland House.

The grand opening of the two-storey administrative building was held on Aug. 9 as part of the start of the Summit of Treaty 5 Sovereign Nations.

The new office was designed by 3twenty Modular. It is 15,500 square feet with energy efficient electrical works, 44 offices, several collaborative meeting spaces, training space, staff facilities, and has a view of the Saskatchewan River.

This facility meets all the requirements of a “high-performance building” by incorporating an insulated building envelope, triple pane windows, exceptional mechanical design, including a wood pellet furnace.

“Thanks to the settlement of the insurance claim, we were able to start rebuilding six months ago and watch our dream become a reality,” said Rene Chaboyer, Cumberland House Cree Nation’s chief. “It is beyond what we could have ever expected. It is not only highly functional and environmentally friendly, but it is also absolutely beautiful.”

(Photo submitted by the Cumberland House Cree Nation.)