Fifty years after different groups of feminist trailblazers started Canada’s first women’s shelters across the country, there are growing resources to aid Indigenous women fleeing domestic violence.
Operating since 1987, the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal (NWSM) has evolved to offer in-house and outreach programs that address challenges faced by the urban Indigenous population. With a constant waiting list, it is seeking funding and expertise to renovate its aging building near Cabot Square.
“We want to stay in this building, but we just need to spruce it up,” explained NWSM executive director Na’kuset. “We need other Indigenous organizations to support people exactly how they are. We’re not necessarily able to support people with addiction issues because we have to be sober.”
It recently opened the Miyoskamin (Cree for “spring” or “groundbreaking”) second-stage housing program, with 23 subsidized and fully furnished units that support women’s transitions to independent living. Eligible participants must commit to working on a tailored empowerment plan that includes enrolling in an educational or vocational program.
“It’s not just putting a woman in an apartment and ‘good luck with that’,” said Na’kuset. “We’re giving them the opportunity to find their niche and have workers support them getting from A to B. It’s growing exponentially – the apartments are gorgeous.”
Besides offering housing for 3 to 5 years, Miyoskamin hosts the Saralikitaaq social pediatric centre along with group workshops, legal services and personalized support for mental health, employment and other needs. While all its family units are filled, Na’kuset said some single units were empty because government restrictions don’t allow new mothers to stay in them with their babies.
The NWSM continues to introduce innovative programs for the most vulnerable, such as a new partnership with a local hotel offering emergency refuge for victims of human trafficking. Although domestic violence has often driven Indigenous women to seek new lives in the city, there are increasingly resources available that enable them to stay close to their culture and communities.
After a family violence symposium held in Chisasibi discussed the need for women’s shelters in 2010, a report commissioned by the Cree justice department three years later gathered data that helped justify investments in building what became the Piipiichaau Uchishtuun-Robin’s Nest shelters in Eeyou Istchee.
“We had some incidents of domestic violence that led to the death of women and children,” said Virginia Wabano, a Cree Health Board director who helped spearhead the shelters. “That was a big eye-opener for having women’s shelters within our territory.”
The shelters’ programs and services were inspired by the Cree legend of Ayaashaau, as shared by late Elders Abel and Jane Kitchen. It tells the story of a young boy and his mother who has been abused. In their journey to finding refuge, the boy and mother encounter many animals portraying behaviours that one endures in an abusive relationship. A healing transformation begins and the woman comes back as a robin.
In 2017, an 18-bed Robin’s Nest shelter opened in Waswanipi, serving the inland Cree communities with culturally sensitive counselling, healing programs and 24-hour crisis management services. A second Robin’s Nest opened the following year in Waskaganish for women in coastal communities.
Cree beneficiaries can stay at the shelters for up to three months, after which a review determines whether a longer stay is warranted. Between 2018 and 2023, nearly 300 women and 214 children stayed at these shelters.
“We had an increase of intake during Covid,” shared Wabano. “It’s our hope they do come to the shelters when they need that safe space. In the end, they’re safe and healthy and happy with where they’re at in their life.”
The shelters are exclusively for women experiencing or at risk of domestic violence; those facing homelessness or family conflict are referred to appropriate resources. Although they’re intended for women over 18, the health board is currently working with the youth protection department to clarify accessibility for eligible 16- and 17-year-olds.
Upon arrival, women are given a three-day rest before defining their “vision quest” of goals they wish to achieve. Throughout this journey of reflection, residents are offered trauma counseling, rehabilitation from drugs and alcohol, and reconciliation for relationships that were impacted by the situation with their partner.
“The shelter is a safe haven for them to gather their thoughts, think about what they would like to do and how they would like to get there,” Wabano explained. “Maybe they’re ashamed of what may have happened – there is stigma sometimes when you seek help.”
Collaboration with other entities is integral to the program’s success. Morning check-ins like a sharing circle are accompanied by frequent traditional activity workshops like beading, sewing, cooking, painting or berry-picking. Elders provide hands-on lessons in traditional teachings and may lead counselling or smudging sessions.
“We offer childcare service during their programming,” said Deborah Cheezo, team leader of the Waskaganish Robin’s Nest. “They also have a family room where they can watch TV. Some of them register their children for school here. We do the travel arrangements.”
Many pathways are available to help the women rebuild their relationships or reintegrate back into their family home or work life. Depending on the situation, Robin’s Nest will also work with their partners to connect them with the services they need. When they’re discharged, staff work with the women on safety planning and later follow-up with risk assessments.
Cheezo was part of a community tour last summer, highlighting the program’s services and policies to make its mandate more visible. She shared success stories such as one woman who arrived in distress from violence and substance addictions. Her experience helped her get her children back and stay off drugs and alcohol. Another woman achieved a university degree and is now working full-time.
“This person was really shy and would never open up to anyone,” Cheezo said. “She would tell us it was from coming here that helped her come out from where she was before. We used to have calls from her wanting to come by and feel the energy again.”
The Robin’s Nest 24/7 toll-free crisis line is 1-855-753-2094.