A groundbreaking ceremony took place in Ottawa’s south end to celebrate a new shelter for Inuit women and children fleeing violence. The shelter, a first of its kind south of Inuit Nunangat, is spearheaded by the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition (OAC) and will provide culturally relevant services rooted in traditional Inuit knowledge. Stephanie Mikki Adams, co-chair of OAC, emphasized that the shelter will save Inuit lives, offering a safe space for women to reconnect with their culture through activities like sewing and drum making.
The shelter responds to a pressing need, as existing Indigenous shelters in Ottawa often turn away hundreds of women annually, with at least 30% of those being Inuit. Ottawa has the largest Inuit population outside of Nunavut, making this shelter especially crucial for those escaping abuse. The project was funded with $6.4 million from the federal Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative and will offer 13 units and 30 beds.
While the response has been mostly positive, some residents of the Hunt Club neighborhood have expressed concerns about the loss of greenspace and ongoing construction. Despite these apprehensions, local officials believe the shelter will provide much-needed support and safety for women and children in the community. Construction is set to begin later this year, with the shelter expected to open in early 2027.
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