Saskatoon activist makes short list for national award

Jan 26, 2014 | 5:26 AM

paNOW Staff

A Saskatoon woman has been recognized nationally for her work on the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte has made the shortlist for the Everyday Political Citizens contest.

“People in general love other human beings and they want their community and their society to be a peaceful, safe place,” Okemaysim-Sicotte said.

Samara, a non-partisan think tank, started the project to celebrate community leaders, door knockers and petition signers who work hard to bring positive change to their neighbourhoods. There were 200 nominations this year, with 13 adult finalists and eight youth finalists. Two winners will be chosen Feb. 8.

Darlene is the co-chair of Iskwewuk E-wichiwitochik (Women Walking Together), a group that has organized vigils, rallies and lectures to raise awareness since 2005.

“People didn’t want to be part of bureaucracy, they didn’t want to be part of government, they were just concerned citizens wondering what the heck is happening to missing Indigenous women,” Okemaysim-Sicotte said.

The grieving process is different when a loved one goes missing.

“There’s no closure, there’s no answer to the questions, there’s no farewell.” Okemaysim-Sicotte said, adding that’s why it’s so important to have a group of people you can lean on. Even if it’s not a crime or if they are found years later, the experience is still traumatizing.

“Even the most well rounded person, you can really fall apart,” she said.

Darlene said she believes she is following her calling and that she learned to be a leader at a young age, growing up with nine sisters and five brothers.

“That’s a big family, that’s a little community on its own, so you build those skills as a little girl,” she said.

Darlene said she is honoured by the nomination, and is proud to be among candidates who are doing incredible work.

awills@rawlco.com

Follow on Twitter @ashwillsee