“Indigenous Survivor Launches Edmonton’s First Women’s Shelter”

An Indigenous domestic violence survivor is getting ready to establish Edmonton’s inaugural Indigenous-operated women’s shelter. Nichole Brown, a member of the Cree and Saulteaux communities from Louis Bull Tribe, has been meticulously planning the launch of Helen Hazel House since 2022 and is currently scouting for a suitable location.

Helen Hazel House, a non-profit initiative, aims to provide transitional housing for women and their children seeking medium-term accommodation while recovering from domestic abuse. Brown emphasized that all leadership positions, including the board of directors, will be occupied by Indigenous women. This decision stems from the disproportionate impact of intimate partner violence and gender-based violence on Indigenous women.

The necessity for Indigenous-focused initiatives in Edmonton is substantial. The city boasts the second-largest Indigenous population among urban centers in Canada. According to Wings of Providence’s annual report, which operates one of the two existing second stage shelters in Edmonton, over 28% of individuals served were Indigenous, the highest among all demographic groups.

Cat Champagne, the executive director of the Alberta Council of Women Shelters, estimated that approximately 60% of women seeking shelter across the province are Indigenous.

Champagne highlighted the significance of creating safe, culturally relevant spaces, emphasizing the critical need for such facilities.

Ensuring increased shelter capacity is crucial, according to Champagne, as the lack of safe and affordable housing remains a significant barrier for survivors.

Survivors often find it challenging to transition from shelters to permanent housing due to financial constraints, reinforcing the need for additional second stage shelters in the province.

An auntie’s love

The shelter is named after Brown’s aunt, Helen Hazel Desjarlais, who provided refuge during Brown’s upbringing.

Brown recalled her aunt as a role model and a source of support for her mother, who was also a survivor of domestic violence.

Brown opted to name the shelter after her late aunt to embody the nurturing love she aims to offer to the women seeking refuge.

Brown’s personal encounters with shelters in the city, where she sought refuge after escaping abusive relationships, motivated her to embark on this initiative.

Her experiences, including becoming homeless after leaving violent relationships and facing challenges at a second stage shelter, underscore the importance of understanding intergenerational trauma.