Shelters on reserves have been in operation in Canada for at least a decade. Yet, until this year, directors and staff have never had the opportunity to meet and discuss their shared challenges and creative solutions.  On May 13th and 14th, 1999, RESOLVE Manitoba, in partnership with the federal government's Family Violence Initiative, hosted a national First Nations Shelter Directors' Meeting. This was an historic event not only because it was the first meeting of its kind, but it became the opportunity for the formation of a national coalition of First Nations shelters/transition homes (see article on page 3).

What's Inside... 2. Extending the Network... 3. RESOLVE Manitoba Update 3. National Coalition 4. SK Foundation Launch 4. SK Strategic Planning Day 5. RESOLVE Alberta Update

5. "Dare to Care" Program 6. Wellness in the Workplace 7. Upcoming Conferences 7. Announcements 8. RESOLVE Staff 8. Regional Council

Invitations were sent to shelter directors and staff in 40 First Nations communities across Canada. Response to this invitation was very enthusiastic, bringing 35 shelter representatives from nine provinces and the Yukon territory to Winnipeg to meet one another for the first time. The energy generated from this meeting sustained participants through two very busy days of sharing, networking and organizing.

A moving keynote address was given by the Honourable Associate Chief Judge Murray Sinclair.  His address focused on the need for healing in Aboriginal communities to redress the damage of colonization. Elder Velma

Orvis delivered opening and closing prayers on both days as well as a prayer and spirit dish for the traditional meal Thursday evening.  Six workshop sessions addressed:

Facility Administration; Inter- Agency Protocols; Counselling Programs for Women and Children; Counselling Programs for Families and Men; Traditional Programming/Role of Elders; and Wellness in the Workplace (see article on page 6).

The workshops were facilitated by representatives from shelters across the country. Participants had the opportunity to share their experiences of shelter management, explore best practices for service delivery and strategize around the perennial issue of funding.

Participants included a representative group of shelter managers from facilities on or co-located with reserves and whose operations are funded by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development's Project Haven Emergency Shelter fund. Other facilities