Minwaashin offers a range of programs and services, including employment, culture, children & youth, counselling, housing, and transitional support.
On April 23, 2026, Jenna Spagnoli was the guest speaker at the meeting of the Indigenous Work group of the Stittsville Rotary Club. Celebrating over 30 years of honoring and supporting women, Jenna said that Minwaashin Lodge was the first non-profit to be established in Ottawa for Indigenous clients. It has expanded over time to include 40 full-time staff, 15 part-time staff and volunteers in 2 locations, with the main building on St Laurent Blvd and a 28-bed shelter as well.
Minwaashin Lodge provides a wide range of programs and services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis women and children who are survivors of domestic and other forms of violence, and who may also be suffering the effects of the residential school system. Programs and services include employment, culture, children & youth, counselling, housing, and transitional support. The programming exists because of the financial support from three levels of government, donations from the community and the efforts of volunteers and students who help make it all run smoothly. www.minlodge.com
Photo courtesy of Hello Lovely Ontario.