Safe Exit

About Niitoiyis

A place of refuge, healing, and hope — guided by Indigenous traditional teachings since 1986.

Who We Are

Protection & Support Against Family Violence

Niitoiyis Family Support Society is a 32-bed emergency shelter for women and children from all cultures. It provides safe, full-service support for those in need.

The shelter is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Women and children can stay for up to three weeks, with caring Wellness Workers always available to offer help and support.

Niitoiyis is a safe and welcoming place that follows Indigenous teachings, including the Medicine Wheel. It supports healing in emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual ways, helping women feel stronger during crisis and beyond.

Our Foundation

Vision, Mission & Values

Vision

Nurturing families and individuals on their healing journey.

Mission

To provide a broad continuum of family supports, guided by Indigenous traditional teachings to promote prevention, intervention and healing to anyone seeking safety, wellness and cultural connection.

Values

Niitoiyis’ values reflect Indigenous teachings, community expectations, and the lived realities of women and families from all cultures.

We are guided by the Seven Sacred Teachings, along with Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Empowerment.

Sacred Teachings

The Seven Sacred Teachings

These teachings are the foundation of everything we do at Niitoiyis — carried forward by Elders and shared with every person who comes through our doors.

Eagle — Love

Love

Eagle

To know love is to know peace. The Eagle carries love closest to the Creator — a reminder that love for self and others is the foundation of all healing.

Turtle — Truth

Truth

Turtle

The Turtle is among the oldest of creations, carrying truth on its back. To know the other six teachings is to know truth.

Wolf — Humility

Humility

Wolf

The Wolf lives for the pack, not for itself. To be humble is to know you are a sacred part of creation — neither greater nor lesser.

Mountains — Honesty

Honesty

Mountains

Honesty in all actions and words. To walk with integrity is to honour the truth within ourselves and each other.

Buffalo — Respect

Respect

Buffalo

Every part of the Buffalo was used, nothing wasted. Respect is honouring all of creation — giving from the heart what is needed.

Beaver — Wisdom

Wisdom

Beaver

The Beaver uses its gifts to build what the community needs. To cherish knowledge and live it is wisdom.

Bear — Bravery

Bravery

Bear

The Bear defends its young without hesitation. Bravery is doing what is right, even when fear whispers otherwise.

The Sacred Circle

Medicine Wheel

The Seven Teachings are one living circle. Each holds the others — like the Medicine Wheel, they guide every step of the healing journey.

A New Chapter — 2024

Niitoiyis

“Safe home / Real home” — Blackfoot

The name “Niitoiyis” was given to us by the Elders Council — a reflection of safety, welcome and inclusivity. In June 2024, a traditional ceremony was held in the backyard of Niitoiyis in our new tipi, with Elders representing all of Treaty 7, staff, shelter residents, board members and community guests.

As we begin this new chapter, we welcome and acknowledge our growth into an organization that is more than a women’s shelter — a safe and real place of welcome, belonging, and support for women, men, children, youth, Elders, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. A place of healing and empowerment.

Our History

A Wholistic Approach to Healing & Wellness

1986

The Vision Begins

A determined group set out to create a safe healing space for Indigenous women and children. Focus on holistic healing through Medicine Wheel teachings, smudging, healing circles, and Elder counselling.

1993

The Shelter Opens

On March 10, 1993, an interim shelter opened in a donated apartment building. Funding came from the Alberta government and Home Lottery.

1993–1994

Training & Head Start

A crisis counselling training program with Indigenous content was developed. The Calgary Head Start program was also launched.

1995

Permanent Home

The shelter moved to its permanent location, and expanded programs to better support individuals affected by family violence.

2024

Niitoiyis: A New Chapter

The organization was renamed “Niitoiyis”, meaning “safe home, real home” in Blackfoot. Services were expanded to support diverse communities, emphasizing healing and belonging.

Recognition

Our Founders

We are grateful for the continued support of Elder Gerri Many Fingers of Kainai, who was instrumental in leading the committee in finding a location and raising capital. Mr. Nelson Gutnick served as special advisor.

Others on the founding committee included:
Marlyne Fraser King, Denis Whitford, Bob Coultier, Joanne Crook, Rachael Hoof Sr., Rachael Hoof Jr., Pat Whitney, Elder Annie Bare Shin Bone.

Other voices contributed, though are not listed here.

Leadership

Board of Directors

Victoria Sedgwick

President

President of VJS Coaching & Consulting, Victoria brings over 36 years of experience specializing in Indigenous engagement, supporting inclusive work environments and community capacity development. Recipient of the Senator Thelma Chalifoux award for supporting Aboriginal Education.

Member of CFAR, the Aboriginal Opportunities Committee (Calgary Chamber of Commerce), Indigenous Advisory Committee (Careers: The Next Generation), and Senior Associate with the Indian Events Committee — Calgary Stampede.

Colleen Waskewitch Runner

Vice-President

A Tsuut’ina Nation member, Colleen brings valuable experience and leadership as Director of Guest Services at Grey Eagle Resort and Casino. Her roles on the Tsuut’ina Nation include leading negotiations for the Tsuut’ina Police Force’s Tripartite Agreement.

Finalist for the Mayor’s White Hat Award (2018). Recipient of the Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award (2020). Chair of the Wisdom Keepers Standing Committee.

Teri Matula

Treasurer

Board member since 2007, Teri brings over 20 years of project management and business consulting experience in her roles as Treasurer and Chair of the Governance Committee. Her connection to the Indigenous community is through her Métis roots, as a descendant from the Papaschase Band near Edmonton.

Committed to lending her time and skills to help those dealing with Indigenous women’s rights and issues.

Anett Chicomny Pon

Secretary

Po kaa tsi ki na ki (Little Messy Haired Woman) — Anett joined the Board in 2013 and has served as Secretary since 2015. She holds Bachelor degrees in Arts and Education and a Master’s in Education, with majors in Sociology and Psychology with a concentration in Criminal Behaviour and Justice.

Taught mathematics for 18+ years at Siksika and Stoney Nakoda Nations. Sews for Calgary Red Ribbon Skirt Campaigns, walks with Sisters in Spirit, and chairs Fund Development and Community Government & Public Relations committees.

Megan Sinclair

Director

With over 15 years of leadership experience—including 10+ years in the oil and gas industry—Megan Sinclair has built a career grounded in resilience, teamwork, and service. From supervising diverse teams to navigating complex projects, she brings strategic insight and a people-first approach to every role.

A proud Métis woman, lifelong volunteer, and community advocate, Megan has spent years supporting causes close to her heart while mentoring others to find their own paths to success—a commitment she continues today as President of the Rotary Club. As a wife, mom, sister, auntie, and friend, she understands the power of relationships and the importance of building strong, supportive networks. A survivor and the matriarch of her family, she leads with compassion, courage, and conviction—values she carries into every boardroom, organization, and community she serves.

Sheila Rae

Director

Sheila Rae has worked as a storyteller and communicator her entire 30+ year career. She has contributed television and digital programming to every major network in Canada, and throughout North America and China. She started her work with Indigenous peoples and filmmakers on Treaty 7 lands and has now produced award winning films and documentaries with dozens of Indigenous groups and partners throughout Canada.

Sheila values her role as a Niitoiyis Board Member, aiding in its mission to change the lives of women and children experiencing violence while strengthening family units through the Society’s Family Wellness Centre. She believes in the power of safe, inclusive spaces and community support.

Get Involved

Join us in supporting families on their healing journey — donate, volunteer, or reach out to connect with our community.