The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation held a grand opening for their first women’s shelter on Tuesday.

 

Executive Director Susan Kobliski said it will house women facing family violence issues. 

 

The shelter will  serve women in Nelson House and those living in surrounding areas like Tadoule Lake, Lac Brochet, Churchill and Lynn Lake.

 

The women will have access to counselling and programs with an Indigenous focus, including smudging and medicine picking.

 

The shelter has hired nine people from the community, including two support workers, security staff and a child care worker.

 

The shelter will collaborate with other community services like the NCN Medicine Lodge, Nursing Station and NCN Family and Community Wellness Centre to ensure families receive the support they need to successfully move forward and break the cycle of abuse.