Language is more than what we use to communicate. Through language, we begin to understand each other, and the land that we live on.
Through the Original Voices website, CBC is highlighting a few of the many diverse Indigenous languages that exist across the country.
The Montreal Urban Aboriginal Network launched the Indigenous Ally toolkit in English and in French. Being an ally is about creating safe spaces by educating others on the realities and histories of marginalized people. The toolkit provides suggested steps and self-reflections for people who want to be an ally.
Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre is an ambitious theatre company based in Saskatoon that presents unique Indigenous theatre and youth programs. Attend their plays or donate. If Indigenous theatre is not in your community, read plays by longtime GTNT contributor, playwright/actor Curtis Peeteetuce or Canadian icon Thomson Highway.
This CBC News article includes a short video and looks at a program at Wanuskewin Heritage Park —a walking tour of medicinal plants used by Indigenous peoples. Or read Braiding Sweet: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. “As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers.” A delicious read.
Edmonton’s Rise Book Club
Saskatoon Public Library: Read for Reconciliation
Book clubs are a great way to share the path of Reconciliation with friends, family and community. There are many great formats and book lists to borrow from. All you need is a few members and start reading!
“Six thousand years ago, Wanuskewin echoed with the thundering hooves of bison and the voices of Indigenous peoples from across the Northern Plains.” Wanuskewin provides tours and programs that share these stories, which still echo through the land.
Friendship Centres provide services to urban Indigenous communities. Friendship Centres were first established in the 1950s, and there are now more than 100 Centres across Canada. Find your local Friendship Centre through the National Association of Friendship Centres or visit:
Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centres
University of Saskatchewan Events
Office of the Treaty Commissioner Events
Wanuskewin Events Calendar
Find out about speaker events or workshops that expand your knowledge of Indigenous histories and cultures. Attend a workshop for Indigenous Awareness Training. These events calendars will keep you in the know about what is coming up!
A family-friendly festival packed with fiddle, guitar and jigging workshops and concerts, and a Métis cultural camp including finger weaving, beading, storytelling and dancing.
Use the following links to learn about opportunities to attend Indigenous events and powwows. If you’re unsure about who can attend, feel free to contact event organizers.
Office of the Treaty Commissioner’s Events Calendar
Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre for SK events & programming
IndigenousTourism.ca for national events
Visit the Orange Shirt Day website to learn about how to participate and use this opportunity to educate others about Residential Schools. Wear an Orange Shirt Day, set aside time to connect with local Reconciliation events, or learn on your own.
