Groundbreaking ceremony for new Indigenous Women and Children’s Shelter

June 26, 2024
From left, Charisse Sayer, Director of Beausoleil First Nation Shelter; Whitney Monague, Chief Counsellor; Beausoleil First Nation Chief Joanne Sand;y MacKenzie Brown, Project Leader, Colliers; and Roberto Hernandez, Ontario Region Family Violence Prevention Program, Indigenous Services Canada breaking ground for the Indigenous Women and Children’s Shelter in Beausoleil First Nation on June 21. – Photo courtesy of Randall Dament 

BEAUSOLEIL FIRST NATION – The community of Beausoleil First Nation is pleased to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated Indigenous Women and Children’s Shelter, took place the morning of June 21, 2024. The event was held in Christian Island, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to providing safe and supportive housing for Indigenous women and children in need.

This new shelter is a response to the urgent need for secure, trauma informed, and culturally safe housing options for Indigenous women and children who have experienced violence and/or who have been exposed to abuse, including physical, mental, emotional, sexual, and addiction.

“This shelter is more than just a building; it represents hope, healing, safety, and a new beginning for many Beausoleil First Nation members and families,” said Charisse Sayer, Director of Beausoleil First Nation Shelter.

The shelter will offer not only a safe home, but also comprehensive support services, including a variety of community-based programs, crisis services, preventative care, family and community violence education, and awareness developed to the unique needs of Beausoleil First Nation.

“Beausoleil First Nation is grateful for the ongoing funding from CHMC and ISC and their support of this vital project in our community. The shelter initiative aligns with our community plan and vision to promote a healthy and empowered nation,” said Joanne Sandy, Chief of Beausoleil First Nation.

Beausoleil First Nation Chief Joanne Sandy and Chief Counsellor Whitney Monague share remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Indigenous Women and Children’s Shelter. – Photo courtesy of Randall Dament 

Key speakers and attendees included Joanne Sandy, Chief of Beausoleil First Nation; Neil Monague, Community Elder of Beausoleil First Nation; Charisse Sayer, Director of Beausoleil First Nation Shelter; Mackenzie Brown, Project Leader from Colliers; Roberto Hernandez, Ontario Region Family Violence Prevention Program, Indigenous Services Canada; Steve Shore, Shore Contracting, Lead Contractor; and Mike McRae, Great North Building Supplies Design Office.

The ceremony featured a traditional blessing by local Anishinaabe Elders, followed by an opening song and speeches from distinguished guests and community leaders. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the shelter’s mission, the impact it aims to make, and the collaborative efforts that have brought this project to fruition. Guests were also welcomed to
partake in the National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations that happened throughout the village.

About Beausoleil First Nation:
Beausoleil First Nation is a dedicated to supporting and empowering Elders, women, men and children. Our team will respond to the needs of the women, men, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, Elders, and children experiencing and/or witnessing violence. We will also ensure that our families will have access to wholistic, culturally safe, strength-based and trauma informed care. Families accessing shelter supports and services will complete our program feeling empowered.

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For more information or media inquiries, please contact:

Charisse Sayer
Shelter Director
Beausoleil First Nation
705-528-9961
csayer@chimnissing.ca
chimnissing.ca