Temiskaming Native Women's Support Group (AKA Keepers of the Circle)

Published purpose

Through this 57-month project, Keepers of the Circle will increase its ability to prevent and address gender-based violence (GBV) against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, with a focus on northern Ontario. This will be achieved by developing a First Nations, Inuit and Métis-centered governance/operational policy structure for Keepers of the Circle; engaging with women with lived expertise, like-minded organizations, and knowledge keepers to build consensus, policy, and advocacy around the provision of culturally rooted sheltering and transitional housing services as a mechanism to end GBV and on trauma-informed care; and then sharing and promoting the results. This project will engage Tahiuqtiit Women’s Organization in the Northwest Territories, as an expert in the field, as well as survivors, and front-line providers. By the end of the project, Keepers of the Circle will have strengthened their capacity to prevent and address GBV against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Northern Ontario. With the Supplemental funds and extension provided in early 2026, the Temiskaming Native Women's Support Group (operating name: Keepers of the Circle) will create a culturally rooted, trauma-informed, LGTBQ+2S, and intersectional training program for staff working within Indigenous women's shelters, emergency shelter units, and second stage/transitional housing; a decolonized Board of Directors governance model; a wraparound services model of care for Indigenous women's shelters and second stage/transitional housing; culturally informed recruitment process to address capacity gaps and challenges within the housing sector; and provide recommendations to lndigenize the Women's Shelter Canada's Refer Her training program. Through this they will further advance Gender Equality.