SASKATCHEWAN — It has been 10 years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released a report on the experiences and legacy of Canadian residential schools, containing 94 Calls to Action. Grouped under varying themes, these Calls to Action were directed at federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments, community organizations, post-secondary institutions, First Nations and Métis leaders and other parties.
Of the 94 items to be addressed, 14 of the Calls to Action have been completed and 42 are in progress, while 16 have not yet been started and 22 are currently stalled. While 72 of these items fall under the federal government’s jurisdiction, only 10 items have been completed; two under language and culture, three under museum and archives, and one item each under justice, National Council for Reconciliation, commemoration, media and reconciliation and newcomers to Canada.
Yet, close to a third of the Calls to Action are joint efforts between multiple governments and organizations. With the number of ministries and departments involved in completing these Calls to Action, many are wondering where the province stands on their commitment to finding truth and reconciliation.
Child Welfare
Four of the five items listed under Child Welfare include involvement from the provincial governments. The Ministry of Social Services offices throughout the province have been working with First Nation, Métis Elders and Knowledge Keepers to support and guide employees in cultural awareness, Truth and Reconciliation, cultural supports and learning more about traditions and customs to serve children, families and caregivers better.
The Child and Family Services Amendment Act 2023 (CFSA) was established on June 12, 2024, designed to improve child welfare services. There were also updates to the act’s “best interests of the child’ provision, further recognizing unique cultural aspects of Indigenous children and preservation of the child’s Indigenous identity, experience and connections in case planning. Other factors included the importance of placement within the child’s extended family or community as the preferred environment for the care and upbringing of the child and involvement from Indigenous groups, community or people in planning with Indigenous children and families.
The legislation also clarifies several aspects related to working with Indigenous children and families, including broadening information-sharing with Indigenous governing bodies, providing greater access to personal historical information, and expanding notice to First Nations Child and Family Services agencies at various stages of planning.
Education
In August 2021, the Ministry of Education signed the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, with a priority to engage with First Nations and Métis early learning and child care organizations to develop a plan for a co-ordinated system that reflects Saskatchewan’s First Nations and Métis peoples. With continuing commitment to the spirit and intent of the early years plan, the provincial government has also committed to improving early years’ programs and services while working with First Nations and Métis early learning and child care organizations, families and communities to implement the plan.
Health
Over the past year, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) established a Truth and Reconciliation Steering Committee to provide accuracy and accountability in implementing the SHA’s Truth and Reconciliation commitments. This committee is co-chaired by SHA’s chief operating officer and executive director of First Nations and Métis health. Other members of this committee include a Knowledge Keeper, patient family partner, First Nation and Métis health directors and senior leadership team executive directors.
After reviewing how other Canadian health-care organizations implemented their own Calls to Action and measured their progress, a plan was developed for SHA leaders to create and cascade strategies through the year-end deliverables within portfolio roadmaps. A resource document was created with examples of operational level actions for point-of-care teams to consider when building local plans.
Justice
In late 2022, $1.2 million was provided to the Saskatoon Tribal Council’s īkwēskīcik iskwēwak program, Cree for “Women Turning Their Lives Around”. This reintegration program was designed to provide intensive support to frequent female offenders who return to custody for minor offences for up to 18 months. The program offers housing, transportation, support for mental health, substance misuse, culture, income assistance, education, employment and family reunification.
Victim and Witness Services have also worked with Elders to provide support for vulnerable victims and witnesses who are required to testify in court. Soft rooms have been designed to provide a comfortable, non-threatening space for these individuals, where they can provide their statements, or in some cases, provide testimony from outside the courtroom. In Child Advocacy Centres, these rooms are also used to interview children during child abuse investigations.
Professional Development
In partnership with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, the Saskatchewan government had highway signs marking Treaty boundaries along the province’s busiest roads. Between 2022 and 2024, Treaty boundary signs were installed to acknowledge every numbered Treaty in Saskatchewan (2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10), as well as a significant Treaty adhesion, 6A. Saskatchewan is the first province to mark the Treaty boundaries.
Each sign includes an image of a Treaty medal specific to that territory and the historic phrase, “As long as the sun shines, grass grows and rivers flow,” to reference the spirit and intent of the Treaties.
Indigenous language is also being incorporated into traffic signs, with “Welcome” signs in the traditional languages specific to the Treaty area being entered, including Anishinaabe, Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota and Cree.
Education for Reconciliation
Treaty education has been mandatory in Saskatchewan since 2007, with the topic of residential school being addressed in the social sciences curricula for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students. The Government of Saskatchewan began to further the Kindergarten to Grade 9 curriculum, working with the Office of Treaty Commissioner, Elders and teachers. A renewed K-9 Treaty Education Learning Resource kit was released in 2018, ensuring Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing were infused within education.
Missing Children and Burial Information
Between 2016 and 2019, the provincial government worked with several parties to advise and support them in achieving municipal and provincial heritage property designation for residential school cemeteries associated with former schools near Regina and Battleford.
In July 2017, the Regina Indian Industrial School and the Battleford Industrial School cemeteries were designated as Provincial Heritage Properties, providing a level of commemoration and protection to these cemeteries. These designations were a partnership with Indigenous-led community organizations who engaged with residential school survivors, Knowledge Keepers and other community members.
Commemoration
The Saskatchewan Residential Schools Memorial was unveiled during a ceremony in Regina on June 21, 2022, which included Indigenous dancers, speakers and Elders. The public, accessible memorial honours survivors, as well as the children who were lost to the residential school system.
The memorial is a circular space with reclaimed wood benches surrounding a large stone, affixed with a plaque noting the location of all residential schools that operated in Saskatchewan. This is located on a quiet section of the Government House lawn.
Sports and Reconciliation
The Future Stars program has launched, with a focus on developing Indigenous athletes for the next North American Indigenous Games in 2027. This program includes leadership, mentorship, access to sports medicine, science services and sport and athletic development.
While the Future Stars program focuses on athletic ability, Sask Sport has created the Nikaniwin program to help athletes with their cultural development. Nikaniwin was developed through a collaboration with Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and Big Brothers Big Sisters Saskatoon.
The 10-week program offers 20 culturally relevant lessons that combine physical activity and traditional teachings to support healthy lifestyles. The program is to be hosted by First Nation communities and schools with program partners providing mentors, materials and ongoing support.
Although 10 years have passed since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission put forth the 94 Calls to Action, progress has been slow. However, as each action is being addressed, there is hope that reconciliation will be reached.
