REGINA, Sask. — A fundraising gala in Regina will recognize Indigenous people making a difference across Saskatchewan while helping sustain programs that provide practical support to families facing difficult circumstances.
The Women of the Dawn Ministry Leadership and Lifetime Achievements Gala takes place Nov. 5. This year's event will honour 10 Indigenous individuals, including Chief Evan Tapatat, Senator Sol Sanderson and Chief Shelly Baer.
Nya Palahicky, a member of Piapot First Nation who assists Women of the Dawn director Ivy Kennedy and co-ordinator Yvonne Pratt, said the focus is on recognizing people whose contributions have helped strengthen their communities.
“The funds raised will support the organization's work with urban Indigenous women, children and families,” she said.
Food programs help address insecurity
Founded in 1993, Women of the Dawn is a grassroots non-profit focused on helping Indigenous women and families work toward social and economic self-reliance.
A major part of that work responds to food insecurity in Regina, particularly among children and youth between the ages of five and 18 in the North Central neighbourhood.
“The main one will be the Come and Eat project, which is not only a lunch program, but we feed children and anybody, any individual that comes to us when they are hungry,” Palahicky said.
The organization also works to provide food during the summer, when school-based meal programs are unavailable. That support is especially important for children and families who rely on those programs during the academic year.
Elders and community wellness
Food assistance is one part of the organization's broader approach. Women of the Dawn also offers counselling opportunities alongside career guidance workshops and community outreach.
“Another program would be the counselling with Elders and trying to focus on the wellness and the strength of the community,” Palahicky said.
The organization also works to raise awareness about issues affecting Indigenous communities, including fentanyl and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Its outreach includes educational efforts directed toward young people.
Donations help keep programs running
All proceeds from the Nov. 5 gala will go toward Women of the Dawn's operations and programs. Organizers are encouraging people to attend, purchase tickets or contribute donations, including door prizes and raffle items.
Food and clothing donations are also welcome. Palahicky said some of the most useful contributions are everyday food supplies that help the organization provide meals.
She also pointed to the need for food contributions during the warmer months.
“We also take donations, especially in the summertime. We take donations for bread, buns, meat and other things.”
Local businesses and residents can also contribute gift cards and other items for the gala's fundraising activities.
The event offers an opportunity to recognize Indigenous leadership while helping the organization continue providing services to people in Regina. For families who rely on its programs, community contributions can help maintain access to food, guidance and other forms of support.
People interested in attending the gala, donating prizes or supporting Women of the Dawn can contact the organization at (306) 522-1994 or womenofthedawn@myaccess.ca.
