An official apology has been issued by YWCA Canada for the role that the organization once played in the country’s history of mistreating its Indigenous populations.
Across Canada, the YWCA is one of the largest support structures for women, girls, and families who are subject to violence. On December 11th, YWCA Canada issued a formal apology for the group’s involvement in the operations of residential schools, and so called “Indian hospitals.” Along with the apology, the YWCA released a report that summarizes their involvement titled “The Role of YWCA Canada in Canada’s Residential Schools and Indian Hospitals.”
Much of the information used in building the report comes from records made during the 1960’s The report details how numerous YWCA locations had ties to the schools and hospitals, mainly through providing them with social and recreational activities, and job counselling services for Indigenous women and youth. It is not yet clear what role, if any, that the YWCA NWT played in this system.
Hawa Dumbuya-Sesay, Executive Director of YWCA NWT, said in a statement that “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, and we offer an unreserved apology to the individuals, families and communities we harmed by upholding and perpetuating practices of assimilation and colonization. While we cannot change this legacy, our organization is deeply sorry for the YWCA’s actions and for the truths that will emerge as we continue to learn about our past. We vow to do better.”
The YWCA NWT has been reaching out to various Indigenous groups and leaders to share the findings of the report, and will be working together to build a Reconciliation plan.
