City & Community Partners Host Aboriginal Engagement Conference

The City has partnered to host Wicihitowin “Working Together” conference, November 17 and 18, in an effort to increase Aboriginal engagement and service delivery. 

“Aboriginal engagement and inclusion is an important issue in our community,” says Gilles Dorval, Director of Aboriginal Relations. “Working together – the theme of our first Aboriginal Engagement Conference – will be important in delivering enhanced programs and services to better meet the needs of our Aboriginal citizens.”

This conference is presented in partnership with the United Way, Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Health Region, and other Community-Based Organizations. Its goal is to help provide support to the many organizations across Saskatchewan that are inclusive of Aboriginal people as employees, volunteers and decision makers – especially in the understanding of Aboriginal people in the context of historic and contemporary issues.

“We hope the conference will influence organizations that serve Aboriginal people to be representative of the Aboriginal community in their workforce and in decision making capacities in governance,” says Ashley Kayseas, Director, Aboriginal Relations, United Way of Saskatoon and Area.

An Elders/Old People workshop – held in conjunction – will focus on incorporating Aboriginal values in programs and services. The session will build a learning document to be available as an introductory guide for individuals who have questions about protocol and the appropriate role of Elders and Old People within their organizations.

Wicihitowin supports the City’s Strategic Goal of “Quality of Life” by identifying actions for enhancing Aboriginal well-being and participation in our community.

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