'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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.