Canada: Manitoba govt announces new safe house for Brandon’s Indigenous women

“This new safe house will mean more beds and more space for Indigenous women, two-spirit or gender-diverse people…help to stabilize their lives…safety, security and peace needed to help them on their path of healing and recovery,” said Fontaine.

Also known as Franny’s Place, the new 10th Street Safe House will include 10 bedrooms, bathrooms, a shared kitchen, laundry facilities and a living room and dining area where residents will be able to engage in positive activities based on their interests including beading, cooking, baking, painting, growing plants, playing bingo and woodworking.

While providing outreach services, this space will also provide intake assessments and other support for people awaiting placement in the safe house or another safe program.

Staffed 24-hours a day to provide Indigenous culturally based security, The site will also support and mentorship, the minister noted, adding the program is also supported by Keegawegeein (I’ll Help You), a volunteer committee of wise Indigenous women from the community who provide support rooted in the Seven Sacred Teachings.

These safe houses provide increased prevention and protection for Indigenous women, two-spirit and gender-diverse people in partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) and the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation’s Action Research on Chronic Homelessness,.

“The MMF’s Southwest Region… in partnership with the Manitoba government…safe spaces for vulnerable members of our community…access the wisdom and support of other women…with the Red River Métis values and traditions that have made us strong. I commend the Manitoba government for their work in advancing…women and gender diverse individuals,” Will Goodon, Housing and Property Management Minister, Manitoba Métis Federation has said.

The Brandon safe house, the minister noted is part of the Manitoba government’s new $20-million provincial strategy to support the safety, protection and empowerment of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people and honours Pillar 7: Housing, and Pillar 8: Justice and Safety in the strategy.

This announcement falls, the minister said during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual campaign focused on a collective recommitment to protecting and empowering survivors while working toward a future free of gender-based violence.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)