A new women’s shelter has been inaugurated in northeastern Alberta, providing crucial support to vulnerable members of a First Nation community while preserving their ties to community and tradition. Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN), situated approximately 280 kilometers northeast of Edmonton, unveiled its inaugural women’s shelter on Monday, with women starting to move into the facility the following day.
Each room in the shelter is uniquely furnished and equipped with a bed, care packages, towels, a desk, and other necessary items for women seeking refuge. Terry Martial, the CEO of the Horelyu Dene Ts’edi Kue Society, emphasized the significance of the shelter in offering a safe haven for women in need, highlighting that some women were previously forced to endure harsh conditions, such as sleeping in tents during winter.
The shelter, featuring seven bedrooms, a communal kitchen, and living space stocked with books, games, and yoga equipment, aims to provide a nurturing environment where women can access various programs, including healing circles, cultural teachings, language classes, gardening, and meal planning, facilitated by staff, elders, and community members. Shelter manager Tempest Lapatac expressed that residents are encouraged to maintain independence by taking care of daily tasks themselves.
Women are allowed a 30-day stay at the shelter and are encouraged to engage in case management plans while being offered connections to addiction counseling, mental health services, educational opportunities, and job training. CLFN Chief Kelsey Jacko emphasized the importance of the shelter in enabling women to stay connected to their cultural roots and families while ensuring a secure living environment.
The initiative to establish the shelter stemmed from a donated trailer that was refurbished for this purpose, showcasing the collaborative effort of community members, leadership, and staff to address the needs of struggling women. CLFN councillor Jacinta Janvier expressed her aspiration for the shelter to serve as a safe haven for women and families, fostering hope and a positive path forward for those seeking assistance.