RESPONSE OUTLINED TO TRUTH & RECONCILIATION COMMISSION CALLS TO ACTION

A report summarizing the City’s proposed plan to address more Aboriginal inclusion in the community will go to Executive Committee on October 19.  The report outlines the City’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Calls to Action relevant to municipal government.

“Several of the TRC Calls to Action are immediately actionable by the City to improve upon our current relationships with our Aboriginal residents,” says Gilles Dorval, Director of Aboriginal Relations.  “We’ve also identified ongoing efforts that will help us to move towards achieving full reconciliation through embedded best practices for Aboriginal inclusion in how we provide services.”

The City already has in place a number of practices to boost Aboriginal inclusion:

• Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training is offered to all City employees and is mandatory for Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) employees. 
• “Profile Saskatoon Grant” of $150,000 and in-kind organizing support for the 2016 World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) and International Indigenous Music and Cultural Festival to be held in Saskatoon.
• Partnership with Saskatoon Tribal Council, Gabriel Dumont Institute and other organizations on the delivery of the Urban Aboriginal Leadership Program to build capacity leading to employment.

The report to Executive Committee also responds to the Statement of Reconciliation from Canada’s Big City Mayors.  It identifies additional programs for the City to undertake moving forward, which include collaborating with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner (OTC) and other Aboriginal organizations as well as community partners to develop a unified action plan for reconciliation.

“The City is working closely with the OTC and other partners to develop a holistic action plan for reconciliation and increased Aboriginal inclusion,” Dorval says.  “The action plan will include a set of measures to evaluate progress and to report to stakeholders, Aboriginal citizens and the community-at-large.”

Proposed next steps include:

• identifying opportunities for social enterprises;
• reviewing City policies and programs with an Aboriginal lens;
• connecting Aboriginal people with employment and economic opportunities through Phase Two of the Saskatoon Aboriginal Employment and Economic Partnership; and
• holding events to educate Aboriginal development corporations and businesses on City processes for land and procurements opportunities.

The City is also collaborating with the Conference Board of Canada for an event in Saskatoon on December 3, 2015 with the OTC and other Saskatchewan leaders to discuss best practices and opportunities for further advances in reconciliation.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and The City of Saskatoon’s Response report supports the City’s goal “Quality of Life” by identifying actions for enhancing Aboriginal well-being and participation in our community. 

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