A recently inaugurated women’s shelter in northeastern Alberta is providing vital support to vulnerable members of a local First Nation community, emphasizing a connection to their cultural roots.
The Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN), situated around 280 kilometers northeast of Edmonton, unveiled its inaugural women’s shelter on Monday. Women began moving into the shelter the following day. Each room in the shelter is uniquely furnished and equipped with a bed, care packages, towels, a desk, and other essentials to accommodate women in need of a safe space.
Terry Martial, the CEO of the Horelyu Dene Ts’edi Kue Society, a non-profit organization that offers community wellness, cultural support, and social programs for CLFN, stressed the shelter’s importance as a critical resource for women seeking refuge. Martial highlighted the urgency of addressing local women’s homelessness, emphasizing the pivotal role women play in any society.
The shelter, managed by Tempest Lapatac, features seven bedrooms, a communal kitchen, and living area stocked with books, games, and yoga equipment. Additionally, the facility will offer various programs such as healing circles, cultural teachings, language classes, gardening, and meal planning. Lapatac emphasized the shelter’s aim to provide a homely environment while fostering residents’ independence.
Women staying at the shelter will have a 30-day accommodation limit and will be encouraged to work on case management plans. They will also have access to addiction counseling, mental health support, educational opportunities, and job training. The shelter was made possible after a trailer was donated to the community and repurposed, according to CLFN Chief Kelsey Jacko.
The initiative is not just about providing temporary shelter but also assisting women in building a pathway towards their desired outcomes. The shelter underscores the community’s commitment to supporting women and families, ensuring they have a safe haven to thrive and heal.