A recently inaugurated women’s shelter in northeastern Alberta is providing crucial support to vulnerable members of a First Nation community, emphasizing their connection to community and culture. The Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN), situated approximately 280 kilometers northeast of Edmonton, officially opened its first women’s shelter on Monday.
The shelter welcomed its first residents on Tuesday, offering individually decorated rooms furnished with beds, care packages, towels, desks, and other essentials. Terry Martial, CEO of the Horelyu Dene Ts’edi Kue Society, a non-profit organization supporting community wellness and cultural programs for CLFN, expressed the shelter’s significance in providing a safe haven for women in need.
Martial highlighted the pressing issue of local women experiencing homelessness and stressed the importance of safeguarding them, acknowledging their pivotal role within the community. With seven bedrooms, a shared kitchen, and living area equipped with recreational materials, shelter manager Tempest Lapatac mentioned that the facility aims to create a homely atmosphere while fostering independence among residents.
Programming at the shelter includes healing circles, cultural teachings, language classes, gardening, and meal planning, with support from staff, elders, and community members. Lapatac emphasized the residents’ autonomy, as they will manage daily tasks themselves. Women can 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, and job training.
The shelter initiative stemmed from the community’s efforts to repurpose a donated trailer, reflecting the commitment to maintaining cultural ties and ensuring a safe refuge for women. CLFN Chief Kelsey Jacko expressed his satisfaction in providing a sanctuary where women can reconnect with their culture and families while receiving support. Councillor Jacinta Janvier underscored the collaborative effort of community members and leaders in responding to the needs of struggling women, aiming to create a secure environment for families to flourish and heal. Janvier expressed hope that shelter users would find solace and a pathway to a brighter future.