A newly established women’s shelter in northeastern Alberta is providing vital support to vulnerable members of a First Nation community while emphasizing connection to their culture and community.
Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN), situated approximately 280 kilometers northeast of Edmonton, celebrated the official opening of their inaugural women’s shelter on Monday. The transition of women into the shelter commenced the following day.
Each room within the shelter is uniquely adorned and equipped with a bed, care packages, towels, a desk, and other necessities to accommodate women seeking refuge. Terry Martial, the CEO of the Horelyu Dene Ts’edi Kue Society, a non-profit organization offering community wellness, cultural assistance, and social initiatives for CLFN, emphasized the shelter’s significance in providing a safe haven for women in need.
Addressing local women’s homelessness was highlighted as a primary objective behind establishing the shelter, as mentioned by Martial during an interview with CBC News. The facility comprises seven bedrooms, a communal kitchen, and living area furnished with books, games, and yoga equipment, according to shelter manager Tempest Lapatac.
Programming at the shelter, including healing circles, cultural teachings, language classes, gardening, and meal planning, will be facilitated by staff, elders, and community members. Lapatac expressed the intention for the shelter to offer a homely environment that promotes independence among residents.
Residents will be encouraged to engage in self-care activities such as cooking and cleaning. Lapatac specified that women can stay at the shelter for a period of 30 days, during which they will be encouraged to work on case management plans and access support services like addiction counseling, mental health assistance, education opportunities, and job training.
The initiative for the shelter stemmed from a donated trailer that was retrofitted for this purpose, shared CLFN Chief Kelsey Jacko. Maintaining a connection to their culture and families while ensuring a secure living environment for women from the First Nation community was underscored by Jacko as a crucial aspect of the shelter.
Councilor Jacinta Janvier emphasized the collaborative effort of community members, leadership, and staff in responding to the needs of struggling women within the community. The shelter symbolizes a safe space for women and families to prosper without fear of abuse, fostering hope and a path towards a better life for its users.
