A new women’s shelter has opened in northeastern Alberta, providing crucial 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 grand opening of its inaugural women’s shelter on Monday, with women beginning 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 essential items to accommodate women seeking a safe space. Terry Martial, the CEO of the Horelyu Dene Ts’edi Kue Society, a non-profit organization offering community wellness, cultural support, and social programs for CLFN, highlighted the shelter’s significance in providing a secure environment for women in need.
Martial emphasized the urgent need to address local women’s homelessness, stating, “Our women need to be protected; they’re the backbone of any nation.” The shelter features seven bedrooms, a shared kitchen, and living area equipped with books, games, and yoga equipment, according to shelter manager Tempest Lapatac.
Programming at the facility, including healing circles, cultural teachings, language classes, gardening, and meal planning, will be facilitated by staff, elders, and community members to create a supportive and nurturing environment. Lapatac underlined the shelter’s aim to feel like a home while promoting residents’ independence in daily activities such as cooking and cleaning.
Women will have the opportunity to stay at the shelter for up to 30 days, during which they will work on case management plans and access services like addiction counseling, mental health support, education opportunities, and employment training. The shelter project was initiated after a donated trailer was retrofitted by the community, as shared by CLFN Chief Kelsey Jacko, who emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural connections and family ties for shelter residents.
CLFN councillor Jacinta Janvier expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of community members, leadership, and staff in establishing the shelter, aiming to provide a safe haven for women and families experiencing hardship. Janvier’s hope is that individuals accessing the shelter will find renewed hope and a path towards a brighter future.