Voices from the Circle
“I was honored to take the Indigenous Mental Health First Aid Training in Ottawa on March 10-14, 2026. The event itself was well organized, beautifully decorated with attending staff to support and direct where needed. The daily food was exceptional catering to my gluten free dietary needs. Our facilitators led a safe, vibrant group that I will cherish on Mental Health First Aid journey. The necessary skills to uplift and support our nations is invaluable. Chi-Migwetch to NICAFV for my training and will carry it forward with the same integrity and respect.”
Florence Hiltz Grassy Narrows FN/Asubpeeschosewagong Netum Anishinabek.
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude for organizing the training on alcohol and addictions. This initiative has been incredibly valuable, and staff from several departments have greatly benefited from the knowledge and insights shared.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to Catherine for her support, coordination, and communication throughout this process. It has truly been a pleasure working with her.
We also want to thank you for all the materials you sent us, including the large box with colouring books and other resources. Your generosity and thoughtfulness are deeply appreciated.
A special thank you as well for the artwork “Scream of the Silenced.” We absolutely love it and have placed it in a place of honour in our shelter, where it continues to inspire and give voice to those we serve.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support and kindness. We send you our heartfelt blessings from our shelters.”
Esmeralda Pillay Nukum Munik Shelter & Rose Gregoire Safe House Sheshatshiu Labrador N.L.
“I just wanted to reach out on behalf of NSNWA and sincerely thank you for the donation of books, kids toys, coloring items, and other stuff we have received for our shelter project. This was wonderful, and the books in particular were absolutely fantastic!.”
Tiffany Lee NSNWA - Jane Paul Indigenous Women’s Resource Centre
“On behalf of Gaananagdwinmigoo “I Will Take Care of You” Wasauksing Safe Home, we extend our deepest gratitude to the National Indigenous Circle Against Family Violence for your unwavering support, guidance, and commitment throughout our journey to opening our safe home on May 21, 2026.
Your expertise and assistance in the development of our policies, along with the training and preparation of our new staff, have been invaluable. The knowledge you shared and the encouragement you provided helped ensure that our team is equipped to offer culturally grounded, compassionate, and safe support to the individuals and families we will serve.
This milestone would not have been possible without your partnership. Your dedication to strengthening Indigenous-led responses to family violence has had a meaningful impact on our community and on the foundation of our safe home.
We are truly grateful for your support, generosity, and belief in this vision. Thank you for walking alongside us as we prepare to open our doors and provide a place of safety, healing, and care.
With sincere appreciation and gratitude”
“Thank you for amazing opportunity to be here for the certification and for your big heart as you think of everything for us. I am very blessed for this opportunity and to learn some skills and tools to help support our women and their families in the nation.”
Glenda Louis Executive Director, Okanagan Nation Transition Emergency House Penticton, B.C.
“Voici mes impressions sur la formation Toxico de novembre dernier:
Le formation Paul, était très intéressant. Les différents tests que nous avons expérimentés sont de bons outils pour notre clientèle et ils sont simples d'utilisation et d'interprétation. J'ai trouvé intéressant de savoir que l'impact de l'utilisation de substances grandissait avec une consommation avant l'âge de 20 ans, notamment pour les sphères du raisonnement, émotionnelle, spirituelle et sexuelle. Cela permet de comprendre plusieurs des situations que nous voyons en protection de la jeunesse.
Les échanges pendant la formation étaient pertinents ainsi que les jeux de rôles auxquels j'ai participé. De bons apprentissages applicables dans le travail au quotidien.
Je recommande cette formation et ce formateur.”
Julie Cleary Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw
“I wanted to say thank you for the beautiful MMIWG2S art piece and for sharing the resources with us. We had some happy staff as they unpacked the container of supplies. Your gift is deeply meaningful and will hold an important place within the shelter. We need to find the perfect spot for this piece.
The art serves as a powerful reminder of the lives, stories, and spirits of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people we honour. As we continue building programming and supports for women and families, this piece reflects the heart of the work we are committed to — creating safety, healing, connection, and hope within our communities.
Wela’lin/Wela’lioq (thank you)”
Heather Matthews Executive Director of Weli-ankweyasimk Women’s Shelter Wasoqopa’q First Nations (Acadia First Nation)
Norissa Mongrain, BSW, MSW Manager, Gaananagdwinmigoo & Transition Homes
