Aboriginal women's organization opens its doors

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A celebration of women took place in Yorkton on Dec. 17 as the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Women's Circle Corporation (SAWCC) opened its doors.

An affiliate of the Native Women's Association of Canada, the Yorkton office will act as the provincial representative to the national organization.

A number of dignitaries took part in the official opening of the SAWCC office, including Minister of First Nations and Metis Relations Maynard Sonntag, Yorkton Mayor Phil De Vos, and President of the Native's Women's Association of Canada Beverley Jacobs.

"I do recognize that it has taken a lot of hard work and dedication to build this organization and do commend you for all the work you have already done," Sonntag said during the ceremonial portion of the event.

The role of the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Women's Circle Corporation is to promote and enhance the status of Aboriginal women in all areas of their lives. It is mandated to address issues regarding employment, family violence, child welfare, education, justice, health, AIDS, the Constitution and Aboriginal rights.

"Our mission is to empower women," said SAWCC President Sandra Opikokew. "We want to promote equal opportunities, assist with the common goals as well as link together with other organizations to achieve those goals."

Yorkton was selected as the location for the provincial office as it offers a more intimate surrounding than larger cities and allows the organization easier access to other groups within the community.

In the end many are very pleased to see SAWCC open its doors in Yorkton.

"It's always nice to see something open in our city," sai De Vos. "Especially something as important as this."

Jacobs, who served as the keynote speaker at the celebration, is realistic about the work that needs to be done for Aboriginal women and knows that the opening of the SAWCC office is a step in the right direction.

"It really does remain a struggle to be a women's organization-to ensure our voices do get heard," she said. "Not only do we constantly struggle as organizations, but we struggle domestically, provincially and nationally."

Jacobs is Mohawk and a member of the Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario. She grew up learning that respect and building relationships were important, as is taking responsibility for the problems that surround everyone-something she continues to embrace to this day.

"As women we are responsible for so much-our families, our communities-but the responsibility to correct the problems we face is everyone's responsibility," said Jacobs.

The Native Women's Association of Canada has launched a campaign called 'Sisters in Spirit', dedicated to raising awareness of the approximately 500 missing or murdered women in Canada-a campaign which will be embraced by SAWCC.

"We must act now to stop this oppression," said Opikokew. "We must work together to aid in the fight."

Jacobs knows all those women who have died are not forgotten.

"The strong spirit of the women who have died has been passed onto us," she said. "We are still dealing with violence on a daily basis, but there will be changes and together we can make a difference."

That intense focus and drive surrounded the entire celebration in Yorkton. Those in attendance know that the road ahead may not be smooth, but it is definitely open to travel.

"Our government recently declared 2005 as the Year of First Nations and Aboriginal Women," said Sonntag. "We are committed to helping and together we can share ideas and work to make things better."