Okîsikow (Angel) Way

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Okisikow street sign

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.

Commemorate Okîsikow (Angel) Way Day

The City of Edmonton is proud to be one of the many cities and communities across the country to have a dedicated, officially-named street for those who have been, and continue to be, victims of gender-based violence. As Edmontonians, we must show respect, kindness and compassion for one another and stand together against violence.

It is our hope that Okîsikow (Angel) Way will be a place where victims can find understanding and support.

Okîsikow (Angel) Way is a collaboration between Elders, Stolen Sisters & Brothers Action Movement, CEASE: Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation, MacIntosh 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

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.