'A sense of hope': Sask. First Nation leaders mourn death of women's advocate

First Nations leaders in northern Saskatchewan are mourning the death of Shirley Henderson, a life-long community builder and advocate for women.

First Nations leaders in northern Saskatchewan are mourning the death of Shirley Henderson, a life-long community builder and advocate for women.

As the chair of the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) women’s commission for over 25 years, Henderson was instrumental in the creation of a shelter for women and girls fleeing domestic violence, which opened in her home community of Montreal Lake Cree Nation in 2021.

At the time, Henderson told CTV News the shelter was 20 years in the making. There were more women looking for a safe haven than there were available beds, she said.

“The demand is very high and every time you phone a shelter, it’s always full.”

When they secured funding, she said she was overcome with emotion.

“We just about had tears in our eyes knowing that we were one of the 10 shelters approved,” Henderson told CTV News in 2021.

“I think it gives them a sense of hope, that there is hope there, that there is a better life and with help, they can change that life and go on to something better.”