Transitional housing for Métis women coming to the Interlake region

The Canadian flag flies atop the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

The federal and provincial governments, in collaboration with the Manitoba Métis Federation, are working together to create transitional housing units for Métis women and children who are fleeing violence.

On Thursday, the governments announced more than $8.5 million in combined funding for the establishment of Infinity Women Secretariat (IWS) Transitional Housing in St. Andrews, Man.

The facility will be made up of 10 furnished apartment units with access to a kitchen, laundry, childcare, healing and garden spaces, as well as communal recreational spaces. There will also be wrap-around services, including trauma-informed supports, to help these women make lifestyle changes and create opportunities for their futures.

“The first step for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people fleeing family violence is having a safe space to land,” said federal Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Nasty in a news release.

“This investment will create a sense of stability for those fleeing violence and will provide access to culturally appropriate essential community services.

“This is just the beginning; we must continue working with communities to protect Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people and put an end to this national crisis.”

Métis women and their children who are leaving violent homes or emergency shelters can stay in the housing for up to two years.

The address of this project will not be revealed for safety reasons.