Community kicks off month of activities to promote reconciliation
- EFN Staff | May 18, 2016
The City of Saskatoon, Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Central Urban Metis Federation Inc., along with 29 supporting organizations, have launched a month-long series of events to promote Reconciliation in Saskatoon. The events are intended to engage and inspire citizens on what it means to reconcile and find their own personal call to action.
The schedule culminates in a two-day celebration. On June 21, National Aboriginal Day is open to all who want to celebrate our Indigenous community, enjoy food, entertainment and education in Victoria Park. On June 22, a Day of Reconciliation begins with the "Rock Your Roots" Walk inviting everyone to celebrate and display their unique cultural heritage. BBQ and entertainment follow in Victoria Park.
Click here for a list of all Reconciliation Saskatoon events.
“This Year of Reconciliation is part of a long journey. I am proud of our decades of economic success with Urban Commercial Reserves under the Treaty Land Entitlements,” said Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison. “Now we need to take that formula for success and apply it to our social and cultural relationships to ensure that every citizen has a better understanding of Reconciliation and its importance in our community.”
Related:
- A year of reconciliation in Saskatoon
- Truth & Reconciliation Commission releases its findings
- TRC releases final report in Ottawa
- Hundreds attend TRC commemoration ceremony in S'toon
Saskatoon has committed to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) calls to action, beginning with a proclamation by City Council on June 22, 2015 declaring 2015/2016 the Year of Reconciliation.
The month-long schedule of activities will give Saskatoon residents an opportunity to:
- listen to the stories of survivors and their families,
- learn about our history, about residential schools, in a safe environment that is open and accessible to all,
- show-up to support events for Reconciliation, and
- share your personal response to the calls to action with friends and family using #ReconciliationSK.
The next month of events is an excellent example of how Saskatoon can work together to keep Reconciliation moving forward to future generations,” said Felix Thomas, Chief, Saskatoon Tribal Council. “The organizations involved in these events are setting the foundation to the work we can all do together to improve our relationships and be all inclusive.”
The City of Saskatoon’s commitment to the TRC’s calls to action supports the City’s Corporate Strategic Goal of Quality of Life by identifying actions for enhancing Aboriginal well-being and participation in the community.
“Reconciliation is a process of opening up our hearts to be inclusive of all cultures and religious beliefs. A process of understanding that we may be unique but can still live and work together in harmony,” added Shirley Isbister, President of the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. “Our call to action paves the path for future generations.”
For more information on events, or to have your Reconciliation event added to the calendar, please visit OTC.ca.