NICAFV recently hosted a 2.5-day Indigenous Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Participants strengthened their knowledge and skills to recognize, respond to, and support individuals experiencing mental health challenges while promoting wellness and reducing stigma within Indigenous communities.

NICAFV extends its congratulations to Listuguj Haven House on the groundbreaking ceremony for its new Second Stage Transitional Housing Project. The development will provide eight fully furnished housing units for families affected by family, gender-based, and intimate partner violence, representing an important investment in safety, support, and healing within the community.

NICAFV was honoured to attend the Grand Opening of Gaananagdwinmigoo Safe Home in Wasauksing First Nation, recognizing this important new space dedicated to providing safety, healing, care, and support for individuals and families experiencing intimate and domestic violence.

NICAFV extends congratulations to Weli-Ankweyasimk Women’s Shelter on the Grand Opening of their new shelter space in Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia, recognizing this important milestone in supporting Indigenous women, children, and families through safety, healing, and community care.

NICAFV would like to thank all participants who attended the Indigenous Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Train-the-Trainer (TTT) sessions in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Through learning, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, participants strengthened their understanding of mental wellness and built skills to support individuals, families, and communities across Canada.

Share your voice—join the FVPP focus group on May 8 to help shape stronger supports for communities.

May 5 marks Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S). We honour the lives lost, stand with families and communities, and continue to raise awareness of this ongoing crisis.

The National Indigenous Circle Against Family Violence (NICAFV) is honoured to share this day in remembrance and calls for continued action, justice, and change.

NICAFV would like to thank Wiikwemkoong First Nation and all participants who attended the Addictions and Substance Use Disorder Training. The training provided opportunities to strengthen knowledge, build practical skills, and share approaches for supporting individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use, addiction, and trauma.

NICAFV would like to thank all participants who attended the Addictions and Substance Use Disorder Training in Newfoundland & Labrador. We are grateful for the engagement and commitment shown throughout the training.

NICAFV would like to confirm that top-up funding for Legacy Shelters has been secured for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.

NICAFV extends our deepest condolences to the family and community of Leah Keeper. Her loss is a heartbreaking reminder of the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and the lasting impact on families and communities.

NICAFV welcomed participants from across Canada to Ottawa for a week of learning, connection, and capacity building from March 10–14, 2026. Through the Social Justice Conference, Addictions/Intervention Training, and Indigenous Mental Health First Aid, participants strengthened their skills, shared knowledge, and built relationships that will continue to support Indigenous communities nationwide. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make this week a success.

The 2022–2023 Domestic Violence Death Review Committee (DVDRC) Annual Report presents findings from 28 cases involving 43 deaths related to intimate partner violence in Ontario. Through detailed case analysis, the Committee identifies key risk factors — such as a history of abuse, separation, and threats to kill — and highlights seven major themes, including the experiences of aging populations, children, family law, firearms, immigrant and refugee communities, mental health and substance use, and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. The report calls for coordinated, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed actions to prevent future tragedies and strengthen safety across Ontario.

In 2022, Anishininew mother Ashlee Shingoose went missing. She was later identified as one of the victims of a convicted serial killer, alongside Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran of Long Plain Nation. Before her identity was known, she was remembered as Maskode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman). Following this revelation, Manitoba’s Premier pledged to launch a probe into the Brady Road landfill.

As of Tuesday, June 3 rd , British Columbia has 74 wild fires burning, 16 in Alberta. Last week the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta declared a state of emergencies due to fires and suffocating smoke, with thousands (more than 25,000) of residents already evacuated. Ontario is now joining with more wildfires emerging. The smoke from the fires is drifting south and across the U.S. border, significantly impacting air quality.

Help shape the future of indigenous shelters and transitional housing funding