Photo: Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation Chief Bart Tsannie
On October 24, 2025, the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) and Hatchet Lake Denesuline Nation (HLDN) had their grand opening celebration of their jointly owned Sprucelodge Medical Boarding Home, now located in the former Days Inn in Prince Albert.
Sprucelodge has provided a safe and welcoming space for First Nations clients who travel from northern and remote communities to access medical care.
“Sprucelodge has always been there for our people,” said Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte of the Prince Albert Grand Council. “By joining forces with Hatchet Lake, we are strengthening something that has already proven its worth. Together, we have created a space that is bigger, better, and ready for the future. It is a good feeling to know our members will have a safe and caring place to stay when they come to Prince Albert for medical appointments.”
The new location has sixty-five rooms, a commercial kitchen, a common room, and a twenty-two seat boardroom.
“In the North, access to health care is not easy,” said Chief Bart Tsannie. “People travel hours on winter roads or fly south for treatment. Sprucelodge gives them a place that feels like home and takes away some of that worry. It shows that the North matters, and that our people deserve the same level of care as anyone else. This joint ownership means our communities have a real stake in the care we provide for our people.”
For Corrine Fiddler, Director of Sprucelodge, the day was deeply meaningful.
She’s watched the lodge grow from its early years into a bustling operation that now serves communities across the North.
“This is more than a change in ownership,” said Fiddler. “It is a renewal of commitment. Our staff go above and beyond because they know what it feels like to be far from home, especially when you are not feeling well or are caring for someone who is. Here, we treat everyone like family. That is what makes Sprucelodge special.”
Sprucelodge director Corrine Fiddler in the newly renovated board room
The event also featured drumming, blessings, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially unveil the new facility.
“Sprucelodge has come full circle,” said Grand Chief Hardlotte. “It stands as a symbol of partnership, care, and community. This new chapter with Hatchet Lake shows what can happen when Nations work together for the well-being of our people.”
PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte speaking at the Sprucelodge grand opening
Sprucelodge originally opened in 1985 as a small ten-room home.
Now, Sprucelodge has grown to serve more than one hundred and sixty clients each day.
The facility is currently in the process of renovating and have upgraded their commercial kitchen, lounge and board room.
The program that is run at the Sprucelodge is funded by Health Canada and follows the non-insured health benefits (NIHB) policy.
There are four programs that are operated by Sprucelodge: in-city transportation, medical transportation, after hours call centre, and mental health benefit assistance.