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Since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada issued its 94 calls to action in 2015, cities around the province have been working on reconciliation.
But what progress has been made? Here is a look at the actions being taken by leaders in Saskatchewan’s two biggest cities, Saskatoon and Regina.
Saskatoon
In early 2023, the City of Saskatoon approved a new visual identity, used in civic communications, activities and community spaces to communicate the city’s commitment to reconciliation and increasing understanding about Indigenous people and history.
Developed with a committee comprised of elders, survivors and knowledge keepers, the new imagery incorporates the medicine wheel, as well as iconic Saskatoon landmarks like the river and bridges.
In October, the new visual identity was installed in council chambers at city hall, directly behind the seat of the mayor.
“There was a lot of pride from the elders and survivors, that they were a part of that,” said Melissa Cote, the city’s director of Indigenous initiatives.
In December, Saskatoon removed the signage for John A. Macdonald Road and replaced it with the newly named miyo-wâhkôhtowin Road. The move was made to recognize the harms done by Canada’s first prime minister and his role in the Indian residential school system.
The new road name means “good relationship” in Cree.
“It’s historic because it’s the first name change of its kind for the city,” said Cote. “I think it sends an important message to the community that the impacts of residential schools are still felt, and the importance of understanding truth.”
“During this process, I really felt reconciliation happening,” said Cote. “There was a better understanding created of Indigenous world views, and western colonial approaches, and a better understanding of history. What everyone wanted was to have a sense of pride in the name.”
One of the reconciliation initiatives involves the Independent Office of the Representatives of Matriarchs, which supports Indigenous women and girls in the city.
“We want Saskatoon to be a home for Indigenous women and girls — a place they feel supported, and have security and safety,” said Cote. “We need to do that in a meaningful way.”
Regina
Reconciliation Regina, a non-profit aimed at advancing reconciliation, has held a series of workshops and hosted speakers in the city with a focus on complex issues like implementing the TRC’s Calls to Action, focusing on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and helping new Canadians understand Indigenous history and issues.
In November, it hosted Reconciliation Action Planning with Roy Pogorzelski, in which he outlined practical steps on the creation of a Truth and Reconciliation implementation plan.
“It’s one of the questions we get all the time — can you help me develop a reconciliation action plan? How can I take action?” said Kristin Francis, a member of Piapot First Nation who was the executive director of Reconciliation Regina in 2023.
“After we did some community engagements in the city, it was clear we needed to focus on helping organizations with reconciliation,” she said.
To commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Reconciliation Regina and Equity Diversity Inclusion Network planned a full day of events.
The day included a reconciliation-focused program, a pipe ceremony, dancers, music, a keynote address by Eagle Feather News Editor and residential school survivor Kerry Benjoe and a memorial song dedicated to the children who never made it back from residential school.
“It is so important to do something like (sing an honour song) because we felt these kids never had this chance, they didn’t have that honour of having a song sung to them,” said Francis.
“The entire day felt very healing.”
The city is also working to help revitalize Indigenous language by providing accessible, beginner-level classes. The Language Learning series offered classes in Michif, Dakota, Nakoda, Cree and Saulteaux.
“They were very popular,” said Francis. “We didn’t expect so many people to show up.”
Each class attracted more than 100 participants. They were not only free and accessible, but people could also learn in a safe, supportive environment.
“Language is the heart of culture,” said Francis. “This is our way of reconciliation — getting back to the way we were.”
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