A new transitional housing development has opened in Meadow Lake, offering safe shelter for women and children.
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The project, named labada bekòë, provides secure housing paired with comprehensive programming for three families and three individuals. The government-funded project is a joint partnership between the Meadow Lake Tribal Council and Waskoosis Safe Shelter.
“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home,” federal housing and infrastructure minister Gregor Robertson said. “The federal government is proud to partner with Meadow Lake Tribal Council to provide access to secure, supportive housing for women and children where they can rebuild and move forward with confidence.”
Waskoosis Safe Shelter will manage day-to-day operations alongside MLTC Program and Services. Residents typically stay for six to eight months. During this time, they can access trauma-informed counselling, safety planning, case management, and parenting supports.
The facility features three family units and one shared unit configured for three individuals. While construction concluded in late 2025, tenants began moving into the facility in December. For safety reasons, the exact address of the complex is being withheld.
“This project honours our responsibility to protect families and uphold the dignity of women and children,” MLTC Tribal Chief Jeremy Norman said. “By pairing affordable housing with trusted, culturally grounded supports, we are strengthening safety today and building independence for tomorrow.”
Total capital funding includes $877,821 from the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation’s National Housing Strategy. An additional $443,469 comes from the federal Reaching Home initiative via Métis Nation-Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan Social Services Minister Terry Jenson emphasized that the project underscores the importance of local collaboration.
“Second stage housing, combined with services guided by culture and community, gives women and children the time, safety and support needed to rebuild and find stability and long-term independence,” Jenson said.
The programming will also offer culturally grounded, land-based healing opportunities led by Elders, alongside connections to local health care, mental health services, and employment training.
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