We are grateful to announce the opening of two Honored Spaces at The Meadowlark—standalone structures where shelter residents can engage in spiritual and cultural practices such as smudging, reflection, and healing. One is located at the Family Housing Center and the other at the domestic violence shelter. These spaces were developed through the leadership and feedback of our Racial Justice Program, Indigenous residents, and community partners, who shared how essential dedicated cultural space can be during times of transition.
Why these spaces matter
Community voices made something clear: cultural practices are not an “extra”—they are a vital part of healing and resilience. Because of oppression and intergenerational trauma, many people have been separated from traditional knowledge and culture. And while domestic violence affects all communities, Indigenous women and girls are harmed at disproportionate rates, with experiences that are too often overlooked. These Honored Spaces are one step toward changing that, and for making room for culturally grounded care that acknowledges those realities and supports pathways toward healing.
For many, including our staff and residents, these spaces represent an active step toward decolonization: a visible, daily affirmation that Indigenous identity, ceremony, and spiritual practice belong here and are welcome here.
Tara Weaselhead-Running Crane, YWCA Missoula Volunteer Manager, shared:
“As a Piikani woman, I see these sacred spaces as a vital component of holistic recovery and a true expression of spiritual sovereignty. To me, smudging is more than just an act; it is spiritual hygiene which is an ancestral standard of care that allows me to clear my mind and heart before engaging in the heavy lifting of our daily mission. Having this space makes me feel like my whole humanity is finally being hosted. I’m grateful to have witnessed this environment brought to life as it will serve as a place where everyone can ground themselves in their own medicine.”
We hold that truth close: that healing is not only physical or emotional, but also spiritual—and that shelter can and should be a place where people are supported as whole human beings.
The ceremony and blessings
Last week, the Honored Spaces were blessed by Elder Alan Pierre of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Dr. Annie Belcourt, an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Blackfeet and Chippewa descent). Together, they led the ceremony in prayer, drawing on their deep knowledge of tribal history and lifeways to prepare the environment. Throughout the blessing, they honored the bravery of the women, children, and families who seek refuge here, inviting positive energy to help them reconnect with their identity and culture. By centering love and mutual care, they established a collective intention for these spaces to serve as a sanctuary where every family and every survivor’s spiritual needs are honored.
Dr. Annie Belcourt, Tara Weaselhead-Running Crane, Alan Pierre, Chris Young-Greer
Gratitude
We are humbled by the guidance, wisdom, and support that helped bring this vision to life. It took nearly a year to plan, build, secure, and furnish these spaces, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed time, resources, and expertise.
We also want to offer special thanks to Alan Pierre and Dr. Annie Belcourt for their time and for the gifts they provided during the ceremony—gifts that residents will be able to use moving forward.