A new community centre has been unveiled in the heart of the Heritage neighbourhood, housed within the redeveloped Municipal Justice Building.
The building, now called the Mitakuyé Owâs’ā Centre, was transformed into a vibrant community hub and was realized through collaboration between the City of Regina, the Heritage Community Association (HCA), and the Regina Police Service (RPS). The Mitakuyé Owâs’ā Centre now serves as a neighbourhood centre, an RPS training and fitness facility, and a testament to preserving the facility’s rich heritage.
This redevelopment effort has created versatile programmable spaces for community use, including a multi-use stage/classroom, a community kitchen, and various meeting rooms. The Centre also boasts a large gymnasium/multi-purpose room and office space dedicated to the Heritage Community Association.
The name “Mitakuyé Owâs’ā” holds cultural significance, translating to “All My Relations” in English, a phrase deeply rooted in the Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota languages, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all individuals as relatives.
While the building received its official grand opening last week, the space has already been used to host HCA’s Harvest Moon Festival, and it’s expected that the Mitakuyé Owâs’ā Centre will host many more programs and events by the City, HCA, RPS and other organizations.
In addition, the City will offer programs such as drop-in basketball, a free evening teen program and Indigenous storytelling events.
The construction of the Mitakuyé Owâs’ā Centre was made possible through a collaboration of funding sources. Notably, the Government of Saskatchewan’s Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) provided $7.5 million, the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund contributed $0.5 million, and funding from the RPS Campus Development project supported the RPS space within the Centre. The Heritage Community Association also received a $75,000 grant from the Co-Op Community Spaces Program.
The Municipal Justice Building, originating as the Regina Police Service headquarters from 1930 to 1978, gained official recognition in January 2021 when the City Council designated it as a Municipal Heritage Property.
