The YWCA Regina has approached the City for financial help in constructing a healing lodge and ceremony space within its new building.
A new center in the downtown would cost $54 million, with the healing lodge being $4 million of the total cost.
“YWCA Regina serves over 80 percent urban Indigenous women and their families. We partner with Indigenous organizations to bring cultural knowledge, ceremonial ways of knowing and practice to our organization,” said CEO Melissa Coomber-Bendtsen at the City’s Executive Council meeting. “The center includes the healing and ceremony site, which will be the first ceremony and year round sweat lodge available in our community.”
Coomber-Bendtsen explained that the centre could house 80 percent of women for up to six months, while 70 percent for up to one year.
The funding request would come from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which the city has approximately $132 million. While the YWCA’s request is for $4 million from the ICIP, federal and provincial investments will be required.
“The development of this space has been recognized as leading the way and as a much needed act of reconciliation in our city. It will be stewarded by All Nations Hope Network, and the matriarch of women elders in our community,” Coomber-Bendtsen said.
The Executive Committee recommended approval of the funding request. A vote is expected next week. The YWCA is hopeful to start construction next year.
(Photo courtesy of YWCA Regina.)