At the YWCA, action is more important than words
- NC Raine | March 22, 2023
The YWCA Regina, under the direction of CEO Melissa Coomber-Bendtsen, is not sweeping its colonialist history or privilege under the carpet.
Rather, in one of their many efforts to advance reconciliation in Saskatchewan, they are taking steps to directly acknowledge their past in order to create a brighter future.
“It’s an act of truth telling,” said Coomber-Bendtsen. “Early in my reconciliation journey, I was told people often forget about the truth-telling part of reconciliation. I realized truth-telling is so important, and I think it needs to become before any action.”
In the spirit of truth-telling and reconciliation, the YWCA has recently commissioned a truth report about their organization’s involvement in colonial history. It will be released once it’s complete.
Since Coomber-Bendtsen was hired in 2015, the YWCA has created more programs, provided more services and spaces, and formed a more diverse staff – all through consultation with Elders and local community members.
“When Melissa got hired, things shifted quite considerably, and quickly,” said Nina Wilson, Knowledge Keeper at YWCA and member of Kahkewistahaw First Nation. “We started doing more ceremonies and things like medicine picking. We have an exposure to culture that wasn’t there before, and [are] educating people on the importance of that culture.”
Wilson said Coomber-Bendtsen also encourages staff to continue their cultural development, which goes above and beyond the role of CEO.
Coomber-Bendtsen, the youngest CEO in the organization’s history, is a graduate of the University of Regina. The self-described social justice advocate’s goal has always been to make the world a better place.
Inspired by a trip to South Africa when she was young, she began to understand the interconnectedness that exists between everything.
“It really pushed me to recognize the inequities in the world and pushed me to see how I can create spaces, be a good person and live my life in a way that supports others,” said Coomber-Bendtsen.
She began her career in education but found it difficult to make significant impacts on her community when working within a large institution. However, at the YWCA, she found a place where she could not only work in crisis intervention and early childhood education, but where she could advocate for the community.
One of the most important changes made is that the YWCA’s staff reflects the community they serve, said Coomber-Bendtsen. The staff is now 25 per cent Indigenous, with 27 per cent of their board, and 15 percent of their executive team identifying as Indigenous. They also have full-time Knowledge Keepers on staff, as well as someone who is responsible for Indigenous relations.
“Nothing about us without us is a motto she follows,” said Chasity Delorme, YWCA Regina Board Member and member of Cowessess First Nation.
“I think the most important thing is that she doesn’t make decisions on behalf of the Indigenous population that she provides programming for,” said Delorme. “A good ally will seek consultation with its community in order to ensure they are providing culturally appropriate events and programs. And she does everything to ensure barriers don’t exist for the women we serve.”
This year, construction has been started on a new building in Regina, which will house the Centre for Women and Families. It will contain crisis services and childcare, as well as a healing centre and lodge space for the community to access.
The term “ally” is often applied to Coomber-Bendtsen, but it’s one she accepts with humility – and is the first to admit she makes mistakes and is still learning.
“She’s really down to earth and will attend ceremonies in order to learn,” said Wilson. “She’s not in some office where she can’t be reached, she makes herself available. She’s always open to learning.”