As soon as the golden shovel hit the dirt, it marked a new chapter in the 30 years Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services has been a part of the Six Nations community.
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Ganohkwasra welcomed attendees Tuesday to view the ceremonial start to a project that would bring seven additional transitional housing units.
Mary Montour and Sandra Montour from Ganohkwasra were joined by Wilbur McLean from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp, to break ground for the project.
Sandra Montour, executive director at Ganohkwasra, spoke about the complex, its history over the last 30 years, and the many people that it has helped.
“I know for a fact that this complex and community have been a safe space and have helped a lot of people, some of whom graduated from university and are now able to move on,” said Montour.
She said 61 per cent of Indigenous people face intimate partner violence, which is 20 per cent higher than national levels.
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“This facility is what we are going to do about it, what Six Nations is going to do about it,” said Montour.
“Ganohkwasra has been approved to build seven more units that will result in 14 additional bedrooms for Haudenosanee families impacted by relationship violence and choose to live independently free from violence,” said a press release.
This project will provide 33 new beds and give Ganohkwasra the ability to raise its occupancy rate by 43 per cent.
CMHC helped build the original program in 1994 and is providing the capital needed to fund this new second-stage transitional project.
CMHC provided $3.4 million in capital towards the project for general build costs. Indigenous Service Canada earmarked an additional $500,000 annually to cover the operating costs of the new building.
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Julia Bomberry, manager of therapeutic services at Ganohkwasra and Turtle Clan mother, spoke about the importance of providing a safe space for people in need.
“It is not just a house we are providing; it is a program and a community,” said Bomberry.
“They are taking a big step or risk to come to leave their house, and it is our job to help them and make them feel at home.”
Bomberry also spoke about children being born in the facility, knowing it is a safe space.
Mary Montour from Ganohkwasra was one of the last to speak at the ceremony and praised the project and the additional safe space it provides.
“Listen to the wind, and I don’t know if you can hear them, but listen to the children; that is what it is all about — for them to be able to laugh and play.”
The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
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