The largest provider of services to women, girls and families in the country has issued a formal apology to Indigenous communities, families and individuals for its historical involvement in the operation of Residential Schools and ‘Indian Hospitals.’
YWCA Canada’s research, primarily based on records from the 1960s, found numerous YWCAs had ties to those federally run institutions,” stated a release.
That was primarily through the delivery of social and recreational activities, as well as settlement and job counselling services for Indigenous women and youth.
One finding from the preliminary report:
“The YWCA played a role in shaping the domestic science curriculum used in residential schools, which was designed to assimilate Indigenous girls into European-Canadian culture. The organization helped create courses that focused on ‘correct living,’ teaching practical skills like cooking, sewing, home nursing and sanitation. The goal was to train Indigenous girls to become homemakers and follow European standards of domestic life.”
“By upholding institutions that have broken apart Indigenous families and attempted to eradicate Indigenous cultures, we have caused harm that is too widespread to measure,” stated Hawa Dumbuya-Sesay, executive director of YWCA NWT.
“We offer an unreserved apology to the individuals, families and communities we harmed by upholding and perpetuating practices of assimilation and colonization.”
At this point, it is not clear what involvement the YWCA NWT had in these activities.
Hawa Dumbuya-Sesay, executive director of YWCA NWT. (Photo courtesy of YWCA NWT)
YWCA Yellowknife was founded in 1966 to provide housing for single working women, the name change came in 2017.
YWCA NWT stated it has reached out to various Indigenous leaders and communities to share the preliminary findings of the research, and has committed to undertaking further engagement, research and creating a plan for “reconciliation and redress.”
YWCA Canada represents 29 member associations whose programs and services create change for one million women, girls, and their families. Annually, YWCAs invest over $258 million to support 330,000 women and girls, in 300 communities across Canada.
In 2019, YWCA Canada made a decision to commission research to understand its role in providing programming and services to residential schools and ‘Indian Hospitals.’
While YWCA Canada did not own or operate these institutions, the organization acknowledges YWCA Canada and its branches supported colonial practices and assimilation policies, stated the report.
YWCA NWT realizes that reading the Preliminary YWCA Canada Truth Report may be traumatizing to some people.
For those who would like to speak to someone locally, please reach out to Darlene Powder, YWCA NWT In-House Elder, at 1-867-445-6740.
