The Alberta government's decision to cut funding for a critical support program has left Indigenous women and children fleeing domestic violence facing waitlists and reduced services. The Aboriginal Counselling Services of Alberta (ACSA) saw its provincial funding for the Circle of Safety program terminated this fall, creating an immediate crisis for families seeking escape from abusive situations.
Program Cut Mid-Fiscal Year Creates Shock and Uncertainty
In September 2024, ACSA was informed by the provincial government that it would need to re-apply for funding under a new grant structure. Despite being the only Indigenous organization to apply, their application was denied. The organization was given a 60-day window to raise $135,000 to bridge the gap but ultimately fell short of its goal.
"It was a shock, especially because it was in the middle of a fiscal year, and we had clients that we were in the midst of supporting. It was really difficult," said Keleigh Larson, ACSA's executive director. The program funding represented about 15 per cent of the small organization's annual budget.
The Circle of Safety program, which has received provincial support since ACSA's founding in 1992, provided a weekly lifeline. It gathered single mothers and their children at a safe downtown Edmonton location, offering a meal, counselling, and a group healing circle facilitated by an Indigenous elder.
"It Was Life-Changing": Client Speaks Out on Impact of Loss
Chelsea Brown, who utilized the program in 2024 to escape domestic violence, credits it with her healing. "It was life-changing for me," Brown stated. "I left that program every day feeling so much better about myself... I'm outraged the government has cut the funding for this program."
With the funding eliminated, ACSA staff worked to complete support for existing clients as best they could before establishing a large waitlist for new individuals seeking help. The cuts have forced significant operational changes: staff has been reduced to six from 15 people, severely limiting capacity. The agency, which helps upwards of 80 families a year in Edmonton, can no longer admit new clients into the program without securing new funds.
Community Steps In With Temporary Lifeline
In December 2024, a glimmer of hope emerged when the Edmonton Community Foundation donated $40,000. This stopgap measure will allow ACSA to run one single 16-week program cycle for women. However, the future beyond that remains uncertain.
"It's going to take time to rebound. It hurts to have to turn them away right now, but I'm totally committed to do whatever we can to help these families get the support they need," Larson explained, highlighting the emotional toll of the situation. The organization is now actively seeking long-term, regular donors to sustain its cause.
The funding cut comes amidst ongoing advocacy against gender-based violence, underscored by events like an October 2025 fundraising event held by Warriors Way Forward at the Lago Lindo Community League in Edmonton. That event honoured Aylissa Rovere and Erin Kern, two women killed by their abusers, a tragic reminder of the high stakes involved in supporting those facing domestic violence.
