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Okîsikow (Angel) Way honours all women and gender diverse people who have experienced violence: those who continue to suffer, along with their families. The naming of this stretch of 101A Avenue (between 96 and 97 Street) is meant to serve as a reminder to all Edmontonians, victims of violence and their families that there are safe places in Edmonton to seek shelter, services and support.
Please join us and special guests outdoors for a proclamation presentation to celebrate the official naming of Okîsikow (Angel) Way.
Date: Friday June 14, 2024
Time: Noon-2pm
Location: Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre
In March 2024, the City of Edmonton’s Naming Committee unanimously approved the name change of 101A Avenue, between 96 Street and 97 Street, from the honorary name “Okîsikow (Angel) Way” to “Okisikow Way NW”, an official street name and civic address. This name reminds Edmontonians that victims of violence and their families need safe spaces that provide shelter, support, and services.
Okîsikow (Angel) Way is a collaboration between Elders, Stolen Sisters & Brothers Action Movement, CEASE - Centre to Empower All Survivors of Exploitation & Trafficking, MacKintosh Consulting, The Butterfly Project, and Ayana Communications, with the support from the City of Edmonton.
Guided by Wahigicicobi, the Indigenous Framework, the City’s participation is part of a committed journey to remove barriers and collaborate with the community to make spaces welcoming and safe.
The Angel Street initiative began in 2007 as a national movement to raise awareness and demonstrate support for women and children across Canada who experienced domestic violence. Then Mayor of Iqaluit, Elisapee Sheutiapik, and City Council voted to name the street leading to the city’s Qimaavik shelter for women “Angel Street”.
In 2011, Edmonton became one of the first major cities in Canada to show support for Iqaluit's initiative by naming a street in downtown Edmonton “Okîsikow (Angel) Way”. ’okîsikow’ is Cree for ‘angel’. It was unveiled in Edmonton on June 14, 2011, with a blessing by Mini Freeman, an Inuk Elder and author.
Gloria Neapetung was born in 1970 in Porcupine Plains, Saskatchewan. She was a member of the Treaty 4 Yellow Quill First Nation, and was raised in the area of Wynyard, Saskatchewan. Gloria learned to survive on her own from the young age of 13 years old. One of Gloria’s best-known works is her design from 2011 for the Okîsikow (Angel) Way sign blade, which was very dear to her heart, and a way to honour all women and gender-diverse people who have experienced violence.
Gloria Neapetung, a former inmate at the Edmonton Institute for Women, creates art to heal herself and inspire others.
Community Services
18th Floor, Edmonton Tower
10111 104 Avenue NW
P.O. Box 2359
Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7
| indigenousrelations@edmonton.ca | |
| Phone | 780-944-7602 |
| Fax | 780-577-3525 |