The goal of the Native Women’s Shelter…
Is to provide a safe environment where women can begin to rebuild their lives. We offer support and frontline services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis (Indigenous) women and children to promote their empowerment and independence. The NWSM is the only women’s shelter in Montreal that provides services exclusively to Indigenous women and their children. Women are offered an up to three month stay in one of 13 private rooms, many of which are capable of accommodating more than one person so that women may stay with their children. There is a zero tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol at the shelter.
The NWSM is constantly evolving and striving to offer the best possible services to Indigenous women and children. We are open 24 hours a day 365 days a year and offer in-house programs as well as an outreach program. We meet residents’ basic needs of shelter, food, clothing, hygiene, and dignity, as well as provide twenty workshops a month which range in content from art therapy to traditional teachings.
Since its incorporation in 1987, the Native Women's Shelter of Montreal has provided shelter and support to First Nations, Inuit and Métis women and their children. Our clientele are self-referred or referred by community resources.
The shelter provides an environment where women can focus on their various challenges and rebuild their lives. Our in-house programs combined with our outreach services help in the healing process of women, while assisting them in re-establishing a balanced lifestyle.
The Native Women's Shelter works within an Indigenous framework. We incorporate many different teachings from the various cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. We combine traditional healing techniques with contemporary approaches to give the women a multitude of options to address their immediate needs and issues.