A space for women healing from sexual abuse, human trafficking, and other traumas will begin construction this spring.

On Tuesday morning, leaders in Manitoban politics, Premier Heather Stephanson, and Indigenous councils gathered to announce a new healing village. The women gathered to announce the $3 million in funding from the province.

Elder Billie Schibler, Clan Mothers Elder’s Council says while surrounded by other distinguished women at the press conference that "it has to be led by women." Schibler emphasizes that this is the best time to build this centre.

"When the healing of the women happens, things will change," Elder Billie Schibler of Clan Mothers Elder’s Council says. "We are the life bringers. We are the ones that carry life within us. When we are healed, when we stand strong, things will change."

All Manitobans will be welcome at the centre and women will be able to bring their children during their healing process. 

"Because of families have been separated and disconnected for over 100 years thanks to residential schools and other systems that have been a part of that, what is going to be different in this also when the people come there we are going to love them. And they are going to feel that love the minute they walk in," Clan Mothers Healing Village Co-Founder Elder Mae Louise Campbell says.

The Elder says history is in the making.

Cathy Cox, the minister responsible for the Status of Women, says it will be a culturally aware place of healing. Traditional knowledge will be taught at the centre, including traditional medicines. Sharing circles, education upgrades, and mentorship are all part of the village.

Families Minister Rochelle Squires says the 130 acres south of Victoria Beach on Lake Winnipeg was gifted a few years ago by the Réseau Compassion Network. A Catholic summer camp stood on the land before its demolition in October. 

Construction will begin in the spring.

"The trauma takes up residence in a woman's heart, in her soul, in her entire being and it gets passed down for generations," Squires says. "It is time to offer hope to those who have been hurt so badly"

"We need to do things right. We need to do things differently. And we need to follow our traditional ways to do it," Schibler says.