'Listen to the aunties': Proposed Saskatoon centre for Indigenous women, girls and 2-spirit people gets first look
Two years after the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) wrapped up, Saskatoon’s city administration is recommending the establishment of an independent office of Indigenous matriarchs or “aunties” to help support Indigenous women and girls.
The recommendation stems from work undertaken by city administration, examining the final report of MMIWG and responding to Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
In November 2020, the city created a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S) advisory group made up of an elder and many local organizations including OUTSaskatoon, Saskatoon Public Schools, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatchewan RCMP.
The advisory group tasked Hope Restored Canada to undertake consultations, listening to many voices of Indigenous women and girls in Saskatoon. As a result of those consultations, the advisory group recommends establishing an independent office of representative matriarchs, who will work with other matriarchs to support Indigenous women and girls in Saskatoon.
“This report asks for one thing, listen to the aunties,” said Gwen Dueck, board chair of Hope Restored Canada and project team lead. “This means including Indigenous women and girls and two-spirited people within the fabric of Saskatoon in a meaningful, participatory way and making Saskatoon a home for all of its citizens.”
The advisory group's report was up for discussion during a committee meeting Monday at city hall.
The establishment of the independent matriarch is laid out in three steps, first is laying the groundwork and hiring an independent representative of matriarchs for Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit (IWG2S) individuals; secondly, the creation of the IWG2S centre to coordinate services that fits with other city departments and lastly, extending the role of the matriarch to become an officer of transparency and accountability, according to the city report.
Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte, community advocate with Women Walking Together said an Indigenous women’s centre would be a compliment to the various other programs already working with Indigenous people in Saskatoon.
“There’s always a need for additional Indigenous services I think. People don’t understand that right now during the pandemic non-profits have been carrying a lot of the load taking care of vulnerable populations and I think the idea of an Indigenous women’s centre matriarch, that we need that kind of a setup,” she said.
“It has to have a safe environment, somewhere where people can walk in and feel firstly welcomed, see someone that looks like themselves and the space could look familiar with cultural markings.”
Okemaysim-Sicotte said the city has come a long way since she began her group in 2005 and these next steps will only strengthen the relationship between city hall and Saskatoon Indigenous people.
According to the city, the administration will bring forward options for operational and capital funding in the 2022-23 Business Plan and Budget to implement the recommendation and actions for an IMG2S Centre.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
How do you navigate the social media minefield with your kids?
Growing fears about social media's harm have sparked lawsuits against social media companies from hundreds of school districts in the United States and now Canada. CTVNews.ca wants to know whether your children are addicted to social media or if you have concerns about their usage of platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and X.