Photo: Members of the Morin family gathered to turn the sod for the Senator John Morin Memorial Building. Photo by Travis Radke.

Members of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation gathered Thursday as the sod was turned for the Senator John Morin Memorial building, a 10-room living space located next to the PBCN office in Prince Albert.

The building will be within walking distance of the Victorial Hospital.

Dignitaries in attendance included Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte, PBCN Urban Councillor Warren McCallum, and the son of John Morin, Judge Gerry Morin.

Senator Morin also served as an elder within the PBCN before passing away in 2014.

Prior to gathering outside, speeches were given detailing experiences that people shared with the late senator. Among them, Gerry Morin explained how is honoured with the naming of the facility.

“It’s an honour to both my parents. Both my parents were very giving people,” said Morin. “I think its a recognition of who my parents were.”

The new facility will be built by Taylor Built Homes Inc. on the Chief Joseph Custer Reserve in Prince Albert.