By Alan Kausy
The building that was initially established in 1971 as Smoky Lake’s first Continuing Care Centre has undergone extensive renovations to transform it into a modernized lodging facility available to anyone seeking overnight or long-term accommodations.
The 18,000 square foot facility was previously owned and operated by Alberta Health Services until the Métis Nation of Alberta financially committed to completing needed upgrades which commenced in June 2020. Translated to English, Nekinan is a Cree phrase meaning ‘our house.’
Laury Supernant, employed with Métis Nation Holdings, is the Operations Supervisor who oversaw the project and is the current manager. She arrived in Smoky Lake in October 2020 and has outfitted the building to showcase traditional Métis culture and history while providing a welcoming atmosphere for all guests and residents.
Ms. Supernant was raised in Kelly Lake, BC, by her Great Grandparents where the family home was not electrically equipped until she was nine years old. There was no running water. Her Great Grandfather, Big John, was a trapper who maintained trap lines in the Tumbler Ridge region. He had 13 siblings.
In this setting, Laury became acutely aware of her Métis heritage and did not learn English until she was 14. Big John and his wife Annie tragically passed away in an automobile accident when Laury was only 14. Her Great Grandfather was 94, while her Great Grandmother was 87 years old.
She lived with her mother and stepfather in Fort St. John, BC, where she attended school and learned a lot about farming. She even acquired a Class one driving license.
Upon turning 50 years old, Ms. Supernant enrolled in the Edmonton-based ‘Women Building Futures (WBF) program, where she was introduced to welding, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work, as well as other trades. She completed the 17-week course before finishing an apprenticeship with Binder Construction.
The guest rooms within the heritage building have fob entry door locks. They are comfortably equipped with high-grade queen bed mattresses, refrigerators, upgraded washrooms, a sink and USB-equipped electrical outlets. Internet Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. ‘Jack and Jill’ connecting rooms are available upon request.
Fully private men and women shower rooms were installed, a washer and dryer were available for use, and a new security system was installed throughout. A large games room consists of foozeball tables, a dartboard, checkers and chess sets, cards, a tabletop hockey table, magazines and a pool table. A large screen TV is available for use and is outfitted with Bell satellite and YouTube, Disney and Prime entertainment channels. A snack vending machine is also on-site.
There exists a ‘take a book and leave a book’ exchange program, over 25 different board games, puzzles and plenty of Métis related literature, paintings, photos and historical artifacts. An attached heated and enclosed room serves as a smoking area where guests may relax and enjoy their stay.
Guests of Nekinan may arrange for bagged lunches and freshly prepared dinner meals. A ‘hungry man’s lunch’ consists of 2 sandwiches, vegetables, fruit, cookies, and a hot dish, often soup, chilli, or stew. A home-cooked supper meal regularly consists of roast beef, garlic, rutabaga and carrot mashed potatoes, Brussel sprouts, candied carrots, as well as bannock and gravy. The lunch and supper meals are $20.00 each. Ms. Supernant caters to the guest’s needs, and second helpings are included for supper.
Functioning as an overnight hostel, rooms are readily available by phoning Ms.Supernant and cost $65.00 per night. One may rent a room on a long-term basis, which is $650.00 per month. Monthly residents can make full use of the brand new kitchen facilities to prepare meals for themselves.
One resident, Bob, is currently renting on a month-to-month basis and is fully satisfied in the serene environment. He can ride his quad down the Iron Horse Trail to his seasonal cabin and then continue into town to pick up groceries and other supplies. He will likely maintain this as a residence into the summer months.
Ms. Supernant expects to employ six local people once Nekinan is operating full-time as upgrades are still ongoing. Positions would likely include a cook, gardener, chambermaid, receptionist and other vital roles.
Of the new hostel/residence, Ms. Supernant mentioned, “We came wanting to attract people to Smoky Lake who would otherwise not visit here. Our focus is to treat all people like family”.
For further information and to complete bookings, contact Laury Supernant at 403-615-2840. Nekinan is located at 4607 52 Avenue, Smoky Lake, AB.