Local organization offers escape from domestic violence

Published by admin on Fri, 02/14/2025 - 2:56pm

Helping Victims of Domestic Violence Crystal Owen, Executive Director of the domestic violence shelter organization Sweetwater, stands in the Community Closet located in the Sisseton Post Office building. Sweetwater offers shelter and support services to any victim of domestic violence. ~ Courtesy Photo

by Mimi Larsen, Staff Writer 

There is a 35-year-old nonprofit organization in the community called Wac’ang’a (pronounced Wah-chan-ga), which is the Dakota word for Sweetgrass. Historically, it has been referred to as a women’s shelter, but its staff will help any victims of violence, whether male, female, Native, non-Native, or any person by any description. In other words, any hearts that need help. 

In the Dakota culture, Sweetgrass is a female kindness medicine that has a sweet, gentle aroma when lit. It represents a time for love, respect, honesty, courage, wisdom, truth and humility, and represents a time for healing. All this is the goal of the Sweetgrass organization for the people it shelters and helps. For more on this story and many more please purchase a copy of the Sisseton Courier on news stands now or purchase a copy of the E-edtion on this website.

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