A recently inaugurated women’s shelter in northeastern Alberta is providing essential support to vulnerable members of a First Nation community while ensuring they remain connected to their heritage and community. Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN), situated approximately 280 kilometers northeast of Edmonton, celebrated the opening of their inaugural women’s shelter on Monday. The facility welcomed its first residents on Tuesday, offering uniquely decorated rooms equipped with beds, care packages, towels, desks, and other necessities for women seeking a safe haven.
Terry Martial, the CEO of the Horelyu Dene Ts’edi Kue Society, a non-profit organization supporting community wellness, cultural preservation, and social initiatives for CLFN, emphasized the shelter’s significance in providing a secure environment for women in need. Martial highlighted the urgency of addressing local women’s homelessness, emphasizing the pivotal role women play in any society.
The shelter boasts seven bedrooms, a communal kitchen, and living area stocked with books, games, and yoga equipment, as described by shelter manager Tempest Lapatac. The facility will offer various programs facilitated by staff, elders, and community members, including healing circles, cultural teachings, language classes, gardening, and meal planning. Lapatac emphasized the shelter’s aim to create a homely atmosphere while promoting residents’ independence through self-care and responsibilities.
Women seeking refuge at the shelter will have the opportunity to stay for up to 30 days, during which they will receive support to develop case management plans and access services such as addiction counseling, mental health assistance, educational opportunities, and job training. The shelter’s establishment stemmed from the community’s efforts to repurpose a donated trailer, reflecting the collective commitment to providing a safe haven that honors cultural traditions and family connections.
CLFN Chief Kelsey Jacko expressed his satisfaction in offering a sanctuary that enables First Nation women to remain rooted in their culture and community while ensuring their safety. The shelter’s creation was a collaborative effort involving community members, leadership, and staff, driven by the shared goal of supporting women facing challenges within the community. The vision for the shelter, as articulated by CLFN councillor Jacinta Janvier, is to offer a secure environment where women and families can thrive without fear of abuse, fostering hope and a pathway to a better quality of life for all who seek refuge there.