Government of Canada Partners with Health Authority on women’s shelter in Athabasca Basin

Press Release

BLACK LAKE, SK, June 4, 2018 – The Government of Canada along with Athabasca Health Authority (AHA) announced funding today for the construction of an emergency shelter for women and children fleeing abuse. The new 6-room facility will be built on Black Lake Denesuline land, have room for up to 24 beds, and is named Sa kew chu sa’kew ko’ni kwa, meaning “a home for women and children’s shelter.”

AHA is responsible for the delivery of comprehensive health care to residents of the Athabasca Basin. The Authority is a non-profit corporation comprised of five members: the Black Lake Denesuline Nation, The Fond du Lac Denesuline Nation, the Northern Hamlet of Stony Rapids, and the Northern Settlements of Uranium City and Camsell Portage.

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with Darryl Galusha, CEO of Athabasca Health Authority made the announcement today.

Quotes:

“The peace of mind that comes with having a secure and stable home is invaluable. These units are another example of our Government’s commitment toward ensuring that survivors of domestic violence are able to enjoy a safe and stable environment.” – The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

“Athabasca Health Authority (AHA) continuously strives to achieve, “Healthy People, Healthy Land,” and to “create a place for Northern People to Heal.” AHA’s commitment is to work with the communities and people that we serve to achieve the best possible care and patient experience which will in turn lead to better health outcomes for all members of the Athabasca Basin.” – Darryl Galusha, CEO, Athabasca Health Authority

Quick facts:

• The Government of Canada, through CMHC, provided an investment of approximately $2.3 million for the 24-bed facility through the Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP).
• SEP provides funding for the repair, improvement or construction of emergency shelter space and transitional housing for survivors of family violence in Indigenous communities.
• Sa kew chu sa’kew ko’ni kwa will provide a caring, culturally appropriate home environment where women can make healthy choices for themselves and their children. In addition to in-house residents, Athabasca Health Authority will also offer information and support to non-residents through the existing Athabasca Health Authority Family Violence Prevention Program, funded by Indigenous Services Canada and established in 2015.
• The Government of Canada is currently rolling out its National Housing Strategy (NHS)—an ambitions 10-year, $40 billion plan that will create 100,000 new housing units and lift 530,000 families out of housing need as well as repair and renew more than 300,000 housing units and reduce chronic homelessness by 50 per cent.
• The NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private sectors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.

Associated links:

As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. For more information, please visit cmhc.ca or follow us on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.

To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit www.placetocallhome.com

Athabasca Health Authority continuously strives to achieve, “Healthy People, Healthy Land,” and to “create a place for northern people to heal.” AHA’s commitment is to work with the communities and people that they serve to achieve the best possible care and patient experience which will in turn lead to better health outcomes for all members of the Athabasca Basin. To learn more, visit www.athabascahealth.ca

For further information: Media contacts: Leonard Catling, CMHC Media relations, 604-787-1787, lcatling@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

RELATED LINKS
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca

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