New family violence shelter opens in Wiikwemkoong

New family shelter opens on Manitoulin Island A new shelter for victims of family violence officially opens on Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island.

Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory has opened a new shelter for victims of family violence, based on the Anishinabe culture.

Grand opening celebrations and an official ribbon cutting ceremony is being held Wednesday, June 19 and include tours of the new facility at 71 Genevieve Street.

The celebration continues later in the day with a barbecue, fish fry, games, open mic, karaoke challenge, and live entertainment at the Thunderbird Park pow wow grounds from 4 – 7 pm.

Wiikwemkoong is one of five communities nation-wide that received money from the 2016 federal budget to address family violence on reserve.

The Nookomisnaang Shelter received more than $2.3 million in funding from the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for the construction.

It will provide an immediate temporary safe haven for women, children, youth, and men who are victims of violence.

The 8,000 square foot facility will feature 13 bedrooms, including two family suites, and will be able to accommodate 17 people at full capacity.

CTV Northern Ontario's Lyndsay Aelick is there for the grand opening and will have a full report later on air and online here.