Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) and Lake Babine Nation (LBN) took part in a groundbreaking ceremony at the Woyenne Reserve on May 25 to announce the creation of a safe house for women and children affected by violence.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The safe house will be located on Lake Babine Nation’s Woyenne Indian Reserve, along the Highway of Tears and Burns Lake.

This shelter will provide women with a safe environment, protection from family violence as well as other related risk exposures.

The $1.89 million project will consist of seven units that will house up to 23 occupants.

Photo Credit: Contributed

CSFS and LBN have been working in partnership with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Indigenous Services Canada for over three years to plan this project.

“This investment is another example of our Government’s commitment to ensuring victims of domestic violence are able to access safe and stable housing,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

“Indigenous people face some of the most complex and challenging housing issues in Canada and our approach is based on principles of self-determination, reconciliation, respect and cooperation—we want to ensure Indigenous communities have the tools they need to create, control and manage their own housing.”