June 14, 2023
The City of Edmonton is working with community partners to show support for all people who have experienced and continue to experience gender-based violence, while highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces.
A new decorative crosswalk and several prominently-placed street blades were unveiled for Okîsikow (Angel) Way at an outdoor ceremony Wednesday afternoon. Okîsikow (Angel) Way is the honorary name given to 101A Avenue between 96 Street and 97 Street in central Edmonton’s Boyle Street neighbourhood.
The crosswalk art was designed by Edmonton artist Nikk Goodswimmer, and the street blades by the late Gloria Neapetung, a talented artist, social activist, street survivor, sister and member of Yellow Quill First Nation.
"The crosswalk design includes prayer colours representing strength and guidance,” Goodswimmer said. “I hope it heals the streets and inspires people to end the cycle of violence as well as the stigma around it. There are safe places in Edmonton with people who will listen."
The Okîsikow (Angel) Way initiative is supported by the City of Edmonton and led by Elders, Stolen Sisters and Brothers Action Movement, the Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation (CEASE), MacKintosh Consulting, The Butterfly Project and Ayana Communications. This initiative aligns with the City of Edmonton’s Indigenous Framework and the Community Safety & Well-being Strategy.
“Okisikow Way recognizes our neighbours who have suffered and asks us as a community to help prevent gender-based violence and its impact on families,” said Elder Karen MacKenzie, one of the original committee members behind the initiative. “We remember them when we walk this pavement. We feel their spirits with us. Children should feel safe.”
Honouring the occasion, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi declared June 14, 2023, Okîsikow (Angel) Way Day in Edmonton.
“This initiative, and others such as the City’s bystander awareness campaign, One Strong Voice, is aimed at reducing gender-based violence,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “We must all work together to end domestic and gender-based violence and to support those who are suffering.”
In 2011, the City of Edmonton named Okîsikow (Angel) Way after the Cree word for angel, signifying that all victims of gender-based violence — including women, children and gender-diverse people — and their families deserve safe places to find shelter, services and support in the city.
“On the 12th anniversary of Okîsikow Way, we want victims and survivors to know they’re not alone,” said April Eve Wiberg, founder of the Stolen Sisters and Brothers Action Movement. “A lot of work needs to be done to prevent gender-based violence, but there are agencies and services available for people seeking help.”
