Pomerleau breaks ground on Indigenous hub in Halifax

Key Takeaways:

• Construction has begun on the Wije’winen Friendship Centre in Halifax, a new cultural and service hub for urban Indigenous communities, marked by a traditional Mi’kmaw sprouting ceremony.
• The centre will provide essential programming in health, education, employment, and cultural preservation, and features unique design elements like a ceremonial chamber with a wood-burning fireplace and landscaping that reflects Mi’kmaw heritage.
• Led by the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Society and built by Pomerleau, the project emphasizes reconciliation, Indigenous participation, and community empowerment.

The Whole Story:

Construction has officially begun on a new Indigenous cultural and service hub in Halifax following a traditional Mi’kmaw sprouting ceremony held Wednesday.

The Wije’winen Friendship Centre, led by the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Society (MNFS), is designed to serve urban Indigenous communities in Halifax—also known as Kjipuktuk—and across Mi’kma’ki. The facility will offer programming in health, education, employment, and cultural preservation.

The ceremony, which marks the symbolic beginning of the project, opened with remarks from Elder Deb Eisen and a prayer from Elder Jane Meader, Mi’kmaw Knowledge Keeper. Dignitaries and community members then participated in a sprouting ceremony, which in Mi’kmaw tradition signifies renewal, growth and new beginnings.

“Today marks a powerful milestone in our shared journey,” said Pam Glode Desrochers, executive director of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. “With Pomerleau’s leadership guiding us through this pivotal phase … we honour the ancestors who walked this path before us—and reaffirm our commitment to supporting our community, today and for generations to come.”

Pomerleau, one of Canada’s largest construction firms, is overseeing the build.

“This is more than a construction project: it’s a commitment to reconciliation and community empowerment,” said Lorin Robar, regional vice-president for Atlantic Canada at Pomerleau.

Among those in attendance were Regional Chief Andrea Paul of the Assembly of First Nations; Chief Deborah Robinson of Wasoqopa’q First Nation–Acadia First Nation; federal Minister Lena Diab, MP for Halifax West; and Nova Scotia Minister of L’nu Affairs Leah Martin.

The project features mass timber construction, ceramic panel cladding and green roofing. A ceremonial chamber will house a wood-burning fireplace—an uncommon feature in commercial buildings on the Halifax peninsula and one that required special city approval. Landscaping plans include a restored bog ecosystem reflecting Mi’kmaw heritage.

Pomerleau says the project will meet high environmental and safety standards, with an emphasis on Indigenous participation and community engagement.

Founded nearly 60 years ago, Pomerleau operates more than 200 construction sites across Canada and employs over 5,000 people.