Our Mission

Empowerment Through Support

Our mission is to help Indigenous young women and girls overcome systemic barriers by providing life skills, foundational learning and literacy, and advocacy for themselves, their families, and their communities.

We strive to provide a space where they feel comfortable expressing their feelings, past experiences, traumas, and hurts. We offer a friendly and caring environment that respects their individuality and freedom of thought. Your support is vital as we continue to educate and empower the girls, their families, and their communities.

A young girl petting a brown horse inside a stable.
Two friends sitting at a football stadium, watching a game. One is pointing towards the field as the other leans on them, with the field and players visible in the background.

Our Vision

We envision a future where all Indigenous young women and girls we serve live in strong, supportive, and inclusive communities where all Indigenous People have the assets to thrive and are equal participants in society's future. We are committed to engaging in the core values of reconciliation and building bridges across generations.

Our Services

Educational programs and public awareness initiatives

Advocacy, networking, and community mobilization

Capacity building, mentoring, and training opportunities

Community action research and data-driven solutions

Municipal gender-based policies in literacy, crime prevention, community safety, education, health, and social justice

Our History

Stardale Women's Group was born from a grassroots movement of women who recognized critical gaps in services and took action to create meaningful change.

Six young women standing side by side in a room, wearing colorful skirts. They are smiling and looking at the camera.

1997

In January, a group of low-income women under the leadership of Helen McPhaden began meeting regularly as a support group in Star City, Saskatchewan. It quickly became clear that there were significant gaps in services for Indigenous girls and women facing poverty in the region.

Research Findings

The assessment revealed a lack of literacy and employment opportunities accompanied by social disparities, creating widespread challenges in the region. The research identified situational barriers, dispositional barriers, and barriers to subgroups, with special supports developed for each.

Research Findings

The assessment revealed a lack of literacy and employment opportunities accompanied by social disparities, creating widespread challenges in the region. The research identified situational barriers, dispositional barriers, and barriers to subgroups, with special supports developed for each.

1997

A strategic plan was developed, and a collaborative project emerged with several community partners committed to addressing challenges in employment and education throughout northeast Saskatchewan. Over one year, partners developed a comprehensive format to meet the needs of women in the region.

1998

Developed by the Stardale Women's Group Inc. Foundation, Stardale Women's Group officially opened its doors for service in Melfort, Saskatchewan, dedicated to serving communities in Northern Saskatchewan.

1998

Developed by the Stardale Women's Group Inc. Foundation, Stardale Women's Group officially opened its doors for service in Melfort, Saskatchewan, dedicated to serving communities in Northern Saskatchewan.

Today

After more than 27 years of dedicated service, Stardale Women's Group continues to break down systemic barriers, empower lives, and build resilient communities across Saskatchewan and Alberta.

October 1997

Helen McPhaden was contracted to conduct a needs assessment entitled "Aboriginal Women and Women of Poverty." This research examined social, cultural, and economic spheres to understand the totality of gaps in the current system.

Expansion

Since opening, Stardale has expanded its reach to provide outreach services to Southern Alberta, growing our impact while staying true to our foundational mission of empowering Indigenous young women and girls.

Expansion

Since opening, Stardale has expanded its reach to provide outreach services to Southern Alberta, growing our impact while staying true to our foundational mission of empowering Indigenous young women and girls.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Your support enables us to continue our vital work in empowering Indigenous young women and girls, strengthening families, and building stronger communities. Together, we can create lasting change.