NEWS RELEASE

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Women’s Shelter

For Immediate Release

NELSON HOUSE, MANITOBA — Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation welcomes everyone to the grand opening of its Women’s Shelter Tuesday, November 6th at 2:00 pm.

“We have recognized the need for a safe space like this in our community for many years,” says Chief Marcel Moody. “A dedicated, secure space for healing is crucial for women and their children who are dealing with domestic violence, abuse and trauma. This women’s shelter will create a brighter future for our Citizens.”

Festivities at the grand opening will include an opening prayer, ribbon cutting and Cree blessing of the women’s shelter. We will hear from Chief Moody, Indigenous Services Canada and Canada Mortgage and House Corporation (CMHC) before the closing prayer and community feast.

“Through investments in affordable housing, our Government is providing assistance to those who need it most here in Nelson House, and in all corners of the country. Our plan focuses first and foremost on our most vulnerable populations—including women and children,” says Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for CMHC. “Projects like the Women’s Shelter provide safe and affordable places to live, and offer culturally appropriate supports that are key to a better life for the women and children who call them home.”

The new women’s shelter is an eight-suite space that can accommodate four women with larger families and four women with smaller families at one time. Each suite is fully furnished and includes a private bathroom. Women who stay in the shelter will share other facilities including a laundry room, dining room, family area, child care space and outdoor playground (yet to be built). The shelter has been built to accommodate special physical needs, and of course, includes impressive security systems and monitoring.

The Women’s Shelter became a reality thanks to funding from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Indigenous Services Canada and CMHC. It has already created employment opportunities in the community, with nine local people hired to work immediately.

“As much as we can, we will implement the Indigenous way of life and teachings in our counselling and programs, such as smudging and medicine picking,” says Susan Kobliski, executive director of the new facility. “We want to create wellness, healing and empowerment.”

The Women’s Shelter will collaborate with other community services such as 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.


Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (Nelson House, Manitoba) is located about 800 kilometres north of Winnipeg and 80 kilometres west of Thompson. It is an accomplished and progressive First Nation, having secured its own Aski Pumenikewin (Land Code) and Othasowewin (Constitution). NCN has close to 5,300 members living in Nelson House, South Indian Lake, Thompson, Brandon and Winnipeg.

For more information, contact:

Chief Marcel Moody
Phone 1-204-679-0157
[email protected]

Valérie Glazer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
Phone 1-819-654-5546
[email protected]