Montreal’s Native Women’s Shelter holds its annual meeting

On June 20, the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal held its Annual General Meeting and Public Information Session at the Maritime Plaza Hotel in Montreal.

The meeting kicked off with performances by the Buffalo Hat Singers and traditional hoop dancers who entertained the audience of 20.

Besides the performances, the budget was discussed and board elections were held. Two new members elected onto the board; they are Charlotte Burns and Jessica Beruden.

The main subject of discussion was a fundraiser being planned for October 9 at the Rialto Theatre in order to celebrate the shelter’s 25 years of existence and to raise $25,000 for a 12-unit transition housing facility.

The shelter has been working with Batir Son Cartier to find a location for the new building. The new facility will enable Native women in Montreal who have fallen on hard times to reintegrate into society in a fully furnished apartment.

Since 1987, the shelter has been providing help to First Nations, Inuit and Métis women as well as instilling a strong cultural identity for the women and their children.