The Angel Street Project 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. The naming of this stretch of 101A Avenue serves as a reminder to the victims of domestic violence that there are safe places in Edmonton to find shelter and support.
