Truth and Reconciliation at YWCA Saskatoon
YWCA Saskatoon operates on Treaty 6 Territory – the traditional homeland of the Nehiyaw and Nehithaw Cree, Dene, Nahkawe Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota and Nakoda peoples, as well as the homeland of the Métis.
We pay our respect to the First Peoples and caretakers of this land and affirm our commitment to authentic, meaningful and action-led truth and reconciliation.
At YWCA Saskatoon, our primary focus is on serving vulnerable women and children. In our community that vulnerable population is disproportionately Indigenous. This is evident in the overrepresentation of Indigenous women and youth in our programs and is a direct result of colonial policies, including residential schools and the child welfare system. As an organization, we know we cannot affect true change without addressing and dismantling our own colonial roots by challenging and changing the systems in which we operate.
Understanding the Truth
YWCA Canada published a summary of a preliminary Truth Report outlining the national organization’s historical involvement in Indian Residential Schools and ‘Indian’ Hospitals. We acknowledge the release of the national report and the apology from our national organization for the YWCA’s historical role in residential schools and Indian hospitals. As an autonomous association, we also have the responsibility to confront our shared past and are committed to contributing to ongoing reconciliation in our community through meaningful actions and dialogue with Indigenous peoples.
If you would like to contact YWCA Canada or for more information, please email reconciliation@ywcacanada.ca
Please find here the link to the YWCA Canada apology and statement of Truth and Reconciliation.
To find out more about our Truth & Reconciliation initiatives, click the link below.
How Are We Taking Action?
At YWCA Saskatoon, we are committed to take ongoing, meaningful, and action-driven initiatives that reinforce our dedication to Truth and Reconciliation.
From culturally supportive spaces and programming, to supporting employee learning and personal reconciliation journeys, partnering with Indigenous-led organizations, and actively seeking guidance from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Scholars, and Indigenous Leaders, we are committed to a continuous journey of improving and strengthening our reconciliation efforts.
Our Commitment
We recognize the journey of truth and reconciliation is ongoing and rooted in action. On this journey we have continuously sought guidance from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Survivors and Indigenous leaders in our community. We recognize we have at times fallen short along the way. We own this and are committed to understanding, learning and growing in our continuous pursuit of authentic, anti-colonial and anti-racist reconciliation work.
As we continue this work, we reaffirm our intention and commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment that honours the diverse cultures, histories and lived experiences of Indigenous peoples. We whole-heartedly vow to walk alongside Indigenous communities and non-Indigenous communities to build a future of mutual respect, understanding and prosperity, led by The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action and The National Inquiry into MMIWG 231 Calls for Justice.
We have made some progress, but humbly acknowledge there is much work left to do.
We are committed to doing better.