A newly established women’s shelter in northeastern Alberta is providing critical support for vulnerable members of a First Nation community, emphasizing connection to culture and community. Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN), located approximately 280 kilometers northeast of Edmonton, celebrated the official opening of its inaugural women’s shelter on Monday, with women beginning to move in the following day. Each room in the shelter is thoughtfully decorated and furnished with essential items, including beds, care packages, towels, and desks, to offer a safe and welcoming space for women in need.
Terry Martial, the CEO of the Horelyu Dene Ts’edi Kue Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to community wellness and cultural support for CLFN, highlighted the shelter’s significance as a vital resource for providing safe accommodation. Martial expressed concerns about local women facing homelessness, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding and supporting them. The facility comprises seven bedrooms, a communal kitchen, and living area equipped with reading materials, games, and yoga tools, as shared by shelter manager Tempest Lapatac.
The shelter aims to create a homely environment that fosters independence among residents, who will engage in various programming, including healing circles, cultural teachings, language classes, gardening, and meal planning. Lapatac emphasized the residents’ autonomy, stating that they will manage daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning on their own. Women can stay at the shelter for up to 30 days and will receive assistance in developing case management plans, accessing addiction counseling, mental health support, educational opportunities, and job training to help them achieve their goals.
The initiative to establish the shelter was fueled by a donated trailer that was renovated to meet the community’s needs, as noted by CLFN Chief Kelsey Jacko. Jacko underscored the importance of providing a safe haven that allows women to maintain their ties to culture and family. The shelter’s creation was a collaborative effort involving community members, leadership, and staff who united to address the challenges faced by women in the community. Councilor Jacinta Janvier expressed her long-standing desire for a safe space where women and families could thrive without fear of abuse, emphasizing the hope that the shelter will offer its users a sense of hope and a pathway to a brighter future.