Homestead Co-op is proud and honoured to announce that Southport Aerospace Centre Inc. has been awarded a Co-op Community Spaces grant of $28,000!

As provinces across Western Canada take steps to re-open, Co-op Community Spaces is funding projects that will help bring our communities back together.

This year, Co-op is providing $28,000 to create a space in the community of Southport in the RM of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba where community members and visitors can learn about Indigenous culture and hold cultural celebrations.

“Southport is pleased to announce the opening of the Four Winds Cultural Centre here, in Southport” said Peggy May, Southport Chief Executive Officer, “This site is the beginning of a growing partnership with Co-op and an ongoing collaboration with the local Indigenous community. We’re committed to creating lasting partnerships with local businesses and Indigenous communities now, and as we look to the future of Aircrew Training in Southport.”

The Four Winds Cultural Centre will be located in Southport’s Interpretive Park and will feature a Sweat Lodge, a 30-foot Community Teepee, and with the assistance from Co-op, a large Community Picnic Shelter. Cornell Pashe, Indigenous Coordinator with the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation, and advisor on this project, says the centre addresses a long-time need in our community.

“Reconciliation begins with each and every one of us. This project allows the Indigenous Community a place to gather, a place to practice their traditions and culture, and a place to practice their heritage lost long ago in the legacy of Residential Schools.

Meegwetch Southport and Meegwetch Co-op in making our vision a reality!”

Co-op Community Spaces has been developed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada. As our community begins to re-open after the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reminded of the value these projects bring in connecting and improving our communities.

“We are so excited to partner with Southport Aerospace Centre through the Co-op Community Spaces program. The last 15 months have been very challenging, and it’s such an honour for our Co-op to contribute to creating a space for residents to safely come back together”, explained Trent Schidlowsky, General Manager of Homestead Co-op.

“Investing in our community is central to our values as a Co-op. Partnering with community groups on important projects like this is a natural fit. We are creating beautiful spaces for our community to enjoy now and for years to come.”

In 2021, the program is providing $1 million to 15 community projects across Western Canada. Since 2015, Co-op has supported 147 projects with $10.5 million in capital funding.

The giving program is administered by Federated Co-operatives Limited on behalf of more than 160 independent retail co-operatives across Western Canada that form the Co-operative Retailing System.

For more information about Co-op Community Spaces or to view the complete list of 2021 funding recipients, visit www.communityspaces.ca.