A new women’s shelter has opened in northeastern Alberta, providing crucial support for vulnerable members of the Cold Lake First Nations community. The shelter, which features individually decorated rooms equipped with essential items, aims to offer a safe and culturally connected space for women in need. Terry Martial, CEO of the Horelyu Dene Ts’edi Kue Society, emphasized the importance of addressing homelessness among local women, stating that the shelter will play a vital role in ensuring their protection and well-being.
With seven bedrooms, a shared kitchen, and communal areas stocked with books and games, the facility also offers various programs like healing circles, cultural teachings, and language classes. Shelter manager Tempest Lapatac highlighted the shelter’s focus on empowering residents to be independent while providing necessary resources and support. Women staying at the shelter will have access to a range of services, including case management planning, addiction counseling, mental health support, education opportunities, and employment training.
The initiative to establish the shelter stemmed from a donated trailer, which was retrofitted to create the dedicated space for women in the community. CLFN Chief Kelsey Jacko expressed satisfaction in providing a shelter that allows women to maintain ties with their culture and families while ensuring their safety. Councillor Jacinta Janvier underscored the collaborative efforts of community members, leadership, and staff in realizing the shelter, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe haven for families to thrive without fear of abuse. The ultimate goal is to offer hope and a pathway to a better life for those accessing the shelter.