A new women’s shelter in northeastern Alberta has opened its doors to provide crucial support to vulnerable members of the Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN) community while emphasizing cultural connections. Situated about 280 kilometers northeast of Edmonton, the CLFN celebrated the grand opening of its inaugural women’s shelter on Monday, with women starting to move in the following day.
Each room in the shelter is uniquely decorated and furnished with a bed, care packages, towels, a desk, and other essentials to accommodate women seeking a safe refuge. Terry Martial, the CEO of the Horelyu Dene Ts’edi Kue Society, a non-profit organization that offers community wellness, cultural assistance, and social programs for CLFN, stressed the shelter’s significance as a vital resource for women in need of a secure place to stay.
Martial highlighted the pressing issue of local women experiencing homelessness, emphasizing the shelter’s role in protecting and supporting them. The facility features seven bedrooms, a communal kitchen, and living area equipped with books, games, and yoga facilities, as described by shelter manager Tempest Lapatac.
Lapatac mentioned that the shelter will not only provide accommodation but also offer various programs facilitated by staff, elders, and community members, such as healing circles, cultural teachings, language classes, gardening, and meal planning. The objective is to create a homely environment that encourages independence among residents, who will be responsible for their daily activities like cooking and cleaning.
Women can stay at the shelter for up to 30 days, during which they will work on individual case management plans and have access to services like addiction counseling, mental health support, educational opportunities, and job training. This comprehensive approach aims to empower women to progress towards their desired goals.
The initiative to establish the shelter stemmed from the donation and retrofitting of a trailer within the community, according to CLFN Chief Kelsey Jacko. He emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural connections and family ties for women seeking shelter, underscoring the healing impact of having a dedicated safe space within the community.
CLFN councillor Jacinta Janvier emphasized the collaborative effort of community members, leadership, and staff in responding to the needs of struggling women by creating a safe haven. Janvier expressed her hope that the shelter will not only provide safety but also instill hope and a pathway to a better life for those who seek its assistance.
