The history of Niitoiyis family Support Society (formerly known as Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society) began with a vision in 1986 with the determination to create a safe place of healing where Indigenous women and children could seek refuge from family violence and all forms of abuse in a uniquely Indigenous atmosphere. The shelter’s mission would be to provide a traditional wholistic and spiritual approach to help Indigenous women and their children through the healing process with the support of their community.

 

This approach included practicing the teachings of the Indigenous Medicine Wheel, participating in ceremonies such as smudging and healing circles, and receiving Elder counselling and support. The shelter would be a place where Indigenous women could reconnect with their Indigenous culture and continue their healing journey after leaving the shelter.

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Gerri Many Fingers was instrumental in leading the committee in finding a suitable location for the shelter and for raising the capital needed to build the shelter. Operating costs were covered by the government and through funds raised from a home lottery. Nelson Gutnick was a special advisor to the committee, providing mentorship to the committee and assisting in the shelter’s development. Other members of the committee included:

 

Marlyne Fraser King
Denis Whitford
Bob Coultier
Joanne Crook
Rachael Hoof Sr.
Rachael Hoof Jr.
Pat Whitney
Elder Annie Bare Shin Bone

 

During 1993 and 1994, the founders, board of directors, staff and many volunteers from the shelter created a crisis counseling training program that contained a significant amount of Indigenous content. This program was designed to train shelter staff, Calgary agency staff and the public. During this time, the group also launched the Calgary Head Start program, which was sponsored by Health and Welfare Canada.

 

On March 10, 1993, an interim shelter was opened in an old apartment building donated by the City of Calgary. The Alberta government provided core operational funding, while the Home Lottery raised capital costs.

 

Two short years later, the Awo Taan Native Women’s Shelter Society moved to its current location in 1995. In its first decade of operations, the shelter went through many changes, including a name change, evolving visions and missions, and the evolution and expansion of many programs. All of these changes have been positive and progressive in that they have enabled the shelter to provide more comprehensive services and programs to Indigenous women and children, and to women and children from other cultures, who suffer from family violence and abuse, and to help them through the healing process with the support of their community.

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The New Name 2024:

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The name “Niitoiyis” was given to us by the Elders Council and they have defined it to be real home, safe home. This name is a reflection of safety, of welcome and inclusivity.  In June of 2024 traditional ceremony held in the backyard of “Niitoiyis” in our new tipi, with Elders representing all of treaty 7, Niitoiyis staff, shelter residents, board members and community guests.  As we begin this new Chapter as “Niitoiyis” we welcome and acknowledge our growth into an organization that is more than a Women’s shelter but a safe and real place of welcome, belonging, and support for women, men, children, youth, Elders, 2SLGBTQIA+, a place of healing and empowerment