'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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.