Statement from Dakota Oyate Lodge
August 7, 2026
Dakota Oyate Lodge would like to provide some clarification regarding the recent high temperatures experienced within our facility.
The Lodge is currently undergoing a significant HVAC retrofit project. During this construction, the building’s regular ventilation and temperature-control systems have been impacted. Unfortunately, this work coincided with a period of extreme outdoor temperatures, something that was beyond the control of the Lodge.
When the Director was made aware of concerns regarding temperatures within the facility, immediate steps were taken. Within two hours, additional fans were purchased, delivered and placed throughout the home. Within approximately 15 hours, every occupied Resident room had been equipped with a portable air-conditioning unit.
The comfort, health and safety of our Residents has always been, and continues to be, our highest priority. Staff continued to monitor Residents and work through challenging conditions while the Lodge took the necessary steps to reduce temperatures as quickly as possible.
The HVAC retrofit is an important project that will provide a much-needed long-term improvement to the Lodge. Unfortunately, completing a project of this size while continuing to provide 24-hour care comes with challenges. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our Residents, families, staff and community while this work continues.
We also want to remind everyone that confidentiality is a fundamental responsibility in health care. There are circumstances where the Lodge simply cannot publicly discuss the details of a Resident’s care, an employee matter, or internal information, even when information circulating publicly may be incomplete or inaccurate.
Social media can be a valuable way to communicate, but it can also cause significant harm when information is shared without full context or before the facts are known. Dakota Oyate Lodge will not discuss confidential Resident or employee matters through social media.
Questions or concerns regarding Resident care or Lodge operations are always taken seriously and should be brought forward through the appropriate channels so they can be properly reviewed and addressed.
Our focus remains where it belongs: providing safe, respectful and compassionate care to the Elders and Residents who call Dakota Oyate Lodge home.
