Native Housing Society Official Opening Of Skwachàys Healing Lodge.

 The Native Housing Society along with  government representatives celebrated the official opening of Vancouver's Skwachays Healing Lodge.  Located at 31 West Pender Street, just west of Chinatown's Millennium Gate, architect Joe Wai designed the healing lodge behind the heritage facade of the old Pender Hotel.
Twenty four, 320 square foot studio apartments will be managed by the Vancouver Native Housing Society and provide low income housing  while the top two floors will provide temporary accomodations for aboriginal patients and families traveling to Vancouver for medical treatment.  There is also a cafeteria, studio space for artists, a smudge room and sweat lodge on the top floor.  The Urban Aboriginal Fair Trade Art Gallery will be housed on the main floor and aboriginal artists will be able to display and sell their work through this gallery.
Live entertainment and free meals were  a part of the Opening Ceremony.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson along with government and housing officials.

Some of the impressive art work on display in the gallery.