New Coming Home Centre opens September 28

The City of Saskatoon, through Indigenous Initiatives and the Office of the Matriarchs, is proud to announce the grand opening of the Coming Home Centre on September 28, 2026.

“The Coming Home Centre is a dream that has been years in the making,” says Melissa Cote, Director of Indigenous Initiatives.

In summer 2021, the City released a report it had commissioned on supporting Saskatoon Indigenous Women & Girls and Two-Spirit people (IWG2S). “The recommendations in the IWG2S (Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Peoples) Coming Home Report were intended to inform the City of Saskatoon’s long-term strategy and action plan on how to improve the quality of life and health and safety for Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people experiencing all forms of violence, trauma and/or exploitation. Now, we’re expanding on those recommendations,” says Cote.

Established as part of Phase 2 of the IWG2S Coming Home Report, the Coming Home Centre will provide a dedicated, culturally appropriate space where Indigenous women and families can access support, connection and advocacy. The Centre has been created to serve as a navigation hub, helping women and families connect with community resources while working collaboratively with City departments and partner agencies.

The Centre is located in the First Nations Bank Building at 224 4th Avenue South, on land leased through Yellow Quill First Nation. The location will serve as the home of both the Office of the Matriarchs and the Coming Home Centre. Yellow Quill First Nation is one of eight urban reserves in Saskatoon. Leasing space from a First Nation reflects the City’s commitment to reconciliation, honours Indigenous rights and treaties, and acknowledges Nation-to-Nation relationships.

"For the comfort and safety of our families, it was important to find a space that met their needs and where they could feel safe, and at home," says Auntie Advocate Dorthea Swiftwolfe. "We support these families during some of the most difficult times in their lives and having the Centre so close to the courthouse will allow us to offer cultural practices such as smudging and ceremony more easily, ensuring families can receive the support they need, when they need it.”

The Coming Home Centre has a small boardroom and space that can accommodate up to 11 employees. This will allow the City to align workspace with the needs of Indigenous-specific roles in departments outside Indigenous Initiatives and the Office of the Matriarchs. This initiative also supports the City’s efforts to attract and retain Indigenous employees and build a workforce that reflects Saskatoon’s population.

“We’re so proud of the Coming Home Centre and what we will be able to offer Indigenous women and families,” says Cote. “This reflects a collaborative commitment to supporting Indigenous women and families while creating opportunities for connection, healing and access to culturally responsive services in the community.”