Investment strengthens culturally rooted housing, healing and family wellness; supports for Indigenous women and gender-diverse relatives
Submitted by the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Manitoba government
The Manitoba government is providing $4 million to create 10 additional housing spaces in the Interlake region for Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQIA+ relatives moving away from violence or leaving emergency shelters, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for women and gender equity, announced March 10.
“Our government is proud to partner with the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) and Infinity Women Secretariat (IWS) on this important initiative, a piece of the web of provincewide supports which complement broader investments under the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag strategy,” said Fontaine. “This investment is part of $20 million used this year to strengthen culturally rooted housing, healing and family wellness supports across Manitoba to create a better, brighter future for Indigenous women, two-spirit and gender-diverse relatives.”
“This transitional housing initiative builds on the MMF’s proven track record of creating infrastructure that is made to last for generations to come, and to be accessible to the communities they serve,” said David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Métis Federation. “This is at the heart of what Indigenous government can accomplish when it is recognized and respected. It acts as a partner, creating cohesive approaches that properly reach the most vulnerable of community members in ways that feel safe and culturally grounded. The MMF is building momentum not just for our own people, but for the benefit of all Manitobans.”
Building on the August 2025 announcement of support for 10 units at the Infinity Women Secretariat’s transitional housing facility, which are currently under development, this investment will fund 10 more furnished studio apartments to further support Indigenous women, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and their children leaving violence or emergency shelter facilities.
“IWS is deeply committed to the well-being of Red River Métis women and 2SLGBTQIA+ members,” said Anita Campbell, spokeswoman, Infinity Women Secretariat. “Expanding the facility to include supports for our First Nations and Inuit sisters and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals feels like a natural extension of what is in our hearts and minds. We are all connected through kinship ties, shared cultural values and a profound understanding of our roles in our respective communities. IWS is proud to extend the hand of sisterhood and solidarity to all our relatives who need to heal and regain the strength to stand as matriarchs and strong voices for our nations. Everything we will do in this transitional housing facility will be about empowering vulnerable women and their children. Quite simply, no community can be whole or healthy without all members being whole and healthy.”
The additional units will be an essential part of a therapeutic community of care, using an Indigenous approach of holistic healing based on Red River Métis traditions. Providing wraparound services in a safe environment enriched by cultural traditions, Indigenous women, 2SLGBTQIA+ relatives and their children will be able to connect to their own strengths and skills, developing confidence and self-worth while alleviating some of the long-term impacts of trauma caused by violence, the minister noted. Residents will have access to on-site wraparound services, resources and support tailored to their specific needs and off-site referrals for enhanced supports with community partners. Support staff, a communal kitchen, laundry, healing spaces, garden spaces, communal recreational areas and child care will promote holistic healing in a culturally familiar environment.
The Manitoba government is supporting the expansion through the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag: All Women Doing Well strategy, Manitoba’s whole-of-government strategy aimed at the empowerment, safety and protection of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people. The funding advances several pillars of the strategy, including:
• access to culture,
• healthy communities,
• housing, and
• justice and safety.
Phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed this spring, with Phase 2 slated to be completed in summer 2027.
To learn more about the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag: All Women Doing Well strategy, visit www.gov.mb.ca/wage/minoayaawag-ikwewag.html.
