Peepeekisis opens first Indigenous-owned funeral home in Saskatchewan

Peepeekisis Cree Nation has opened the first Indigenous-owned funeral home in Saskatchewan.

The new facility marks not only a first for the province, but an important step for Peepeekisis in providing dedicated spaces for their essential services.

“We wanted a place separate, where families could have their own funerals,” said managing funeral director Christian Lafontaine.

Previous to the funeral home, members of Peepeekisis would hold funerals in the gymnasium at the local school. A practice that left an unintended cloud over the school, said Lafontaine.

“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.

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.