SASKATOON – United Way Saskatoon and Area is honoured to announce the Cree naming of the auntie suite in YWCA Saskatoon’s Hopeful Heart’s program. The name was revealed Friday during a short ceremony in the new transitional housing wing.
“This space will be home to respected members of the Indigenous community, and many of the women supported by the program are Indigenous. So, taking the time and care to properly name the space was important to us,” said Gary Beaudin, United Way director of community impact and strategic partnerships.
Last year, United Way invested $100,000 into the YWCA Saskatoon Hope Lives Here campaign to support the naming of the auntie suite. This living space is reserved for a live-in Elder or Knowledge Keeper who is available to provide cultural guidance and comfort to the women living in the new transitional housing wing.
The name, Iskwêw Otêh, meaning “a woman’s heart,” was identified by Mary Lee, a local nêhiyawak Elder and Knowledge Keeper, through a traditional process.
“Providing opportunities for connecting and interacting with culture and tradition can be a critical factor in a woman’s path to recovery,” said Cara Bahr, YWCA Saskatoon CEO. “We thank United Way for their support as we provide space and programming for this important aspect of a woman’s healing journey.”
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About United Way Saskatoon and Area
United Way is a vital community asset, raising and investing millions of dollars each year to support local organizations and initiatives. As part of a national network, United Way raises approximately $600 million annually, funds nearly 4000 programs, and directly impacts over 8 million lives. In Saskatoon, United Way mobilizes hundreds of volunteers and workplaces to be able to make critical investments into 40 or more local initiatives annually.
About YWCA Saskatoon
YWCA Saskatoon is a welcoming and vibrant community-based organization that provides preventative and emergent services to women and their families. Since 1910, they have been a place for people to find stability, grow together, overcome personal obstacles, and gain a new respect for their abilities and passion.
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