Empowering Independence for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women fleeing intimate partner violence through traditional artisanship

Minwaashin Lodge: Indigenous Women’s Support Centre serves First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women and their children and families within the urban Indigenous community of Ottawa as well as neighbouring communities of Akwesasne, Pikwaknagon, and Kitigan Zibi. Minwaashin provides a range or socioeconomic and mental wellness programming for survivors of intimate partner violence, trafficking and other forms of exploitation, and direct or intergenerational survivors of the Residential School System, 60s scoop, and other colonial policies. Minwaashin plans to enhance a social enterprise where First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women fleeing intimate partner violence will receive training in various cultural crafting techniques. Experienced artisans will be hired to train a cohort of indigenous women on how to make products for resale with traditional medicines, plants, herbs, and other materials.

Grant amount: $75,000