Pathway to Reconciliation: City Develops Resource to Enhance Understanding of Aboriginal Culture and Practices

City staff now have a new tool available to assist in building successful partnerships with First Nations, Métis, and other Aboriginal organizations with the launch of “ayisīnowak [a/ee/see/ni/wak, the people]:  A Communications Guide [kâ-isi-pîkiskwâtoyahk, are communicating]” (Guide).

“The journey of Reconciliation will take time, open hearts, and open minds,” says His Worship Mayor Charlie Clark.  “We all have different norms and practices for building relationships and conducting affairs.  If we are open to learning and respecting each other's protocols and practices, we will grow stronger as individuals and as a community.  This Guide is an important step in our Reconciliation journey.”

Mayor Clark, together with collaborating partners, Chief Bobby Cameron, Chair of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre Board of Governors; and Harry Lafond, Executive Director of the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, announced the initiative today.

The Guide provides City staff with a basic outline of Aboriginal protocol and governance systems and is designed to facilitate relationship building by increasing understanding, respect, and awareness of Aboriginal culture.  The Guide is intended to be an adaptive and living document that will continue to develop as relationships and understanding grow. 

“The City of Saskatoon has long played a leading role in supporting and enhancing relationships with First Nations peoples in a wide range of areas.  Through this Guide, the City of Saskatoon is furthering their leadership role by encouraging civic Administration to practice an appreciation of the Indigenous cultures of the region (Treaty 6 Territory),” says Chief Bobby Cameron.

The City collaborated with the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner to develop the First Edition of the Guide as part of its commitment to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action #57.  The Guide also assists in meeting the City’s Strategic Goal of enhancing relations with Aboriginal organizations through the development of educational opportunities.  

“The Guide will be a valuable asset for organizations and City Administration as the community journeys in the spirit of Reconciliation.  Make this Guide part of the personal action plan for the way forward,” says Harry Lafond.

The development of the Guide was made possible, in part, through a summer employment partnership opportunity between the City and the Saskatoon Tribal Council.

For more information and to download a digital copy of the Guide, please visit saskatoon.ca/aboriginalrelations.