Participate | Be a ConnectR

Check whose land you are on

A great resource for a check of whose land you are on. Text 1 (907) 312-5085 with your city/region and province/state/country you are in. It also works with zip codes/postal codes.

Learn about the Moose Hide Campaign, an Indigenous-led grassroots movement of men, boys and all Canadians, take action and stand up to end violence towards women and children. Find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Watch: PRRC 2021 ē-nīso pimohtēyahk videos

Head, Participate, Watch

Every year Prairie Rivers Reconciliation Committee hosts a conference, you can watch some of the sessions from this year’s event ē-nīso pimohtēyahk/Walking Forward Together. Topics available include nation building, the importance of beading, youth perspectives, and working together.

Host a Reconciliation Dialogue Workshop

Heart, Participate, Reconciliation 101

The Reconciliation Canada Reconciliation Dialogue Workshop aims to create a safe environment that brings diverse participants together to start a meaningful conversation and relationship building. They provide an opportunity for sharing stories of resilience. The Reconciliation Dialogue Workshop guide provides a brief introduction and outlines injustices in Canadian history including residential schools, the Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act, the Japanese-Canadian Internment, and the Komagata Maru Incident.

Help promote life

Health & Wellness, Heart, Participate

The Centre for Suicide Prevention created a toolkit, Indigenous people, trauma, and suicide prevention that looks at how to prevent suicides and promote life.

Help reclaim Indigenous place names in Saskatoon

Cultural Understandings, Heart, Participate, This Land

Advocate for reclaiming Indigenous place names in Saskatoon. If you have a suggestion to change the name of a street, parks, and other civic properties, you can fill out a form on the City of Saskatoon’s website.

Support projects in remembrance of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Children and Two Spirit Peoples

Current Events, Heart, Participate

The Canadian Library is an art installation project that will work its way across Canada with the help of community members that would like to participate in this powerful compilation. It will serve as a vivid memory of all First Nations, Metis and Inuit women and children that have suffered abuse or lost their lives due to brutality and had been forgotten.

Watch: Wîcihitowin Conference Sessions

Body, Listen, Participate, Watch

The Wîcihitowin Indigenous Engagement Conference, gives survivors a platform to share their voices and teachings with the hope of inspiring respectful engagement and meaningful inclusion of Indigenous peoples’ within the community, and the creation of resources and tools needed to create culturally respectful organizations.

Sessions from the 2021 Wîcihitowin Conference have been made available and put online

Read our Orange Shirt Day 2021 Resource Package

Body, Participate, Reconciliation 101, Residential Schools

Through the guidance of Knowledge Keepers and Residential School Survivors, we created a resource page for Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept 30, 2021. We hope these stories and ideas will inspire you to honour Sept 30 and also think about how you will deepen your commitment to truth and reconciliation. Visit the resource page here.

Settlers Take Action

Body, Current Events, Learn/Education, Participate

Settlers Take Action is a website aimed at non-Indigenous folk living in Canada, with the understanding that we are all responsible for our personal role in reconciliation. The website gives step-by-step actions to take and lists resources to support your reconciliation journey.

Learn with Future Ancestors Services

Cultural Understandings, Heart, Participate

Future Ancestors Services Inc. offers capacity building and skills training that can contribute to holistic and sustainable change. These trainings can advance knowledge on the individual’s role in addressing systemic issues to become a part of building a sustainable future that our next generations will inherit.

Support ethical brands that support Indigenous artisans and communities

Body, Participate, Shopping

A list of 10 Ethical Brands supporting Indigenous artists and communities from around the world, including Australia, the United States, Peru, Guatemala, and Saskatchewan’s She Native.

Circles for Reconciliation

Body, Participate, Reconciliation 101

Circles for Reconciliation brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together in talking circles to build relationships, a fundamental part of reconciliation according to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. Find a circle in your area.

Hear and Support Indigenous Artists

Heart, Listen, Participate, Read

Hear from people like poet Rebecca Lea Thomas, writer Joshua Whitehead, and multidisciplinary artist Moe Clark.

Have Indigenous artists you love? Let us know and we can add them to our list. Email beaconnectr@gmail.com

Support organizations working with Indigenous communities

Body, Participate

Support True North Aid, an organization helping northern communities across the country with practical humanitarian support.

“Our priority is to help ensure dignity and health for all and to establish hope and self-determination within these communities.”

Support Indigenous Movements

Heart, Learn/Education, Participate

Idle No More asks people to join in a peaceful revolution, to honour Indigenous sovereignty, and to protect the land and water

Make a Back Pocket Reconciliation Action Plan

Body, Participate

A Back Pocket Reconciliation Action Plan is a starting point for individuals to think about how to make reconciliation part of their lives. The initiative is part of Reconciliation Canada’s national engagement strategy to build a national narrative on reconciliation and catalyze action.

Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education

Cultural Understandings, Head, Participate, Reconciliation 101

Learn more about Reconciliation through the 6-week massive open online course Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education hosted by the University of British Columbia.

Through the course engage with Indigenous knowledge keepers, education leaders, and resources to enhance your understanding and knowledge of practices that advance reconciliation in the places where you live, learn, and work.

Wet’suwet’en Supporter Toolkit 2020

Current Events, Heart, Participate

Learn how can you support and show solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en and Unist’ot’en. Visit the Wet’suwet’en Supporter Toolkit 2020

Library recommended reconciliation reading lists

Head, Learn/Education, Participate, Read

Increasing libraries are getting onboard with Reconciliation – offering up activities, reading spaces and books in their branches.

If you can’t make it in, many libraries have recommendations of reads to start (or continue) you on your Reconciliation Journey

Vancouver Public Library

Ontario Public Libraries

Regina Public Library

Saskatoon Public Library

Learn about Indigenous Languages

Head, Heart, Language, Listen, Participate

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.

Learn to be an Indigenous Ally

Head, Learn/Education, Listen, Participate, Safe Spaces, Support, True History

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.

Support Indigenous Theatre

Art & Music, Heart, Kids/Family, Participate

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.

Also, check out the Poundmaker Indigenous Performance Festival, with it’s goal of celebrating the talent and diversity of local Indigenous singers, dancers, poets, and actors.

Learn Indigenous Teachings About Plants

Food, Health & Wellness, Participate, Spirit, This Land

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.

Attend an Indigenous Poets Society Event

Art & Music, Body, Listen, Participate

The Saskatoon Indigenous Poets Society hosts regular poetry slam, book launches and readings. You’ll hear a mix of voices from around Saskatoon who challenge and inspire. Find them on Facebook or read about them on CBC News.

Join or Form a Book Club About Reconciliation

Head, Learn/Education, Participate, 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!

Visit Parks & Sites that Share Traditional Stories & Knowledge about the Land

Body, Kids/Family, Participate, This Land, True History

Wanuskewin Heritage Park

“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.

Attend a cultural event at a Friendship Centre in your community

Art & Music, Body, Current Events, Health & Wellness, Kids/Family, Learn/Education, Participate, Volunteer

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

Listen to a Guest Speaker or Attend a Workshop

Body, Current Events, Learn/Education, Participate, Reconciliation 101

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!

Attend the John Arcand Fiddle Fest

Art & Music, Heart, Kids/Family, Participate

John Arcand Fiddle Fest

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.

Attend Indigenous Cultural Events

Body, Cultural Understandings, Kids/Family, Participate, Reconciliation 101, Spirit, Youth Perspective

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

Participate in Orange Shirt Day Events

Body, Kids/Family, Learn/Education, Participate, Spirit, Youth Perspective

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.

Take the #Next150 Challenge

Art & Music, Body, Cultural Understandings, Learn/Education, Participate, Reconciliation 101, Social Media

#Next150 is challenging Canadians across the country to play a role in Reconciliation by educating themselves and actively seeking opportunities to learn. Look at their list of challenges, sign up, and share on social media as you embark on this journey.

Share Your ConnectR Experience

Current Events, Heart, Kids/Family, Participate, Social Media

You are beginning a path of Reconciliation by visiting ConnectR and choosing to answer some of the calls to action listed here. Share your learning journey on social media and challenge your friends and family to get involved! Use the hashtag #beaconnectr and find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Read the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Report

Around the World, Art & Music, Business, Cultural Understandings, Current Events, Facts & Figures, Food, Head, Health & Wellness, Kids/Family, Language, Learn/Education, Listen, Participate, Politics & Leaders, Protocols, Read, Reconciliation 101, Residential Schools, Safe Spaces, Shopping, Social Media, Support, This Land, True History, Volunteer, Watch, Youth Perspective

Everyone, at some point in their journey of Reconciliation, needs to read the 94 Calls to Action recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to “redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.” Or connect here to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Final Report to read other sections and excerpts.

We have included this action in every category and every path on this website as a reminder of how important it is for us to understand the history and path of Reconciliation in our country.

Offer your own expertise to support Reconciliation

Body, Business, Participate, Reconciliation 101, Spirit

What are your talents, skills and passions? Connect with Indigenous organizations in your community and offer your skills. You’ll build relationships, meet Elders, and learn about authentic engagement along the way.

Volunteer at powwows, round dances & community events

Body, Current Events, Kids/Family, Participate, Volunteer, Youth Perspective

Volunteering is an opportunity to not only learn, but interact with others and build relationships—the heart of reconciliation. Find an event, call the organizer, and get out there!
Office of the Treaty Commissioner’s Events Calendar
Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre for SK events & programming
IndigenousTourism.ca for national events

Find Your Reconciliation Community

Heart, Participate, Reconciliation 101, Safe Spaces, Support

Reconciliation in Saskatchewan

Find organizations and communities who share your commitment to work towards Reconciliation and can offer opportunities for engagement.

Participate in Indigenous Experiences through Parks Canada

Body, Kids/Family, Participate, This Land, True History

Parks Canada Travel Experience

Parks Canada and their Indigenous partners offer meaningful journeys to explore Indigenous roots in Canada, interacting with First Nation, Métis and Inuit cultures.

Attend a Reconciliation event

Current Events, Learn/Education, Participate, Spirit, Volunteer

Eagle Feather Event News
Office of the Treaty Commissioner Event Listings

Further your journey of Reconciliation by attending events in your community. Volunteer with the organizers, meet new people, learn about Indigenous culture and history, and share your experiences.

Attend Conferences that Focus on Reconciliation & Indigenization

Business, Cultural Understandings, Head, Learn/Education, Participate, Watch

2018 Think Indigenous Conference

Live Stream from the Conference

Think Indigenous was a conference in March 2018 that sought to “[inspire] change through Indigenous knowledge, story, and education.” The conference offered educators from all backgrounds the opportunity to work together in the enhancement of Indigenous Knowledges & Change. Watch the speakers online and see what they learned.

Attend a powwow in your community

Body, Cultural Understandings, Current Events, Heart, Kids/Family, Learn/Education, Participate, Protocols, Reconciliation 101

Powwow Guide
First Nations University of Canada on Powwows

Interested in going to a powwow, but not sure what to expect? These links offer guidelines about taking your family to a powwow for the first time. Most powwows are open to everyone and can be a powerful way to experience Indigenous culture and art.

When are powwows happening in your community? Check out these event calendars:
Office of the Treaty Commissioner Events Calendar
Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre
Indigenous Canada
University of Saskatchewan Annual Graduation Powwow

Send Your Kids to An Indigenous Summer Camp

Art & Music, Body, Kids/Family, Participate, True History

Send your kids to Indigenous summer camps, where kids learn about the people who lived on this land for thousands of years through traditional games, crafts, music, dancing, food, and outdoor activities.

Learn About Indigenous Medicinal Plants Before Your Next Hike

Body, Food, Health & Wellness, Kids/Family, Learn/Education, Participate, Spirit, This Land, Watch

Learn About Indigenous Medicinal Plants

“Medicine is all around us. For centuries, Indigenous peoples found all of the medicine they needed on the land, using plants to treat a variety of ailments and conditions.” Learn more from the guides at Wanuskewin.

Visit Wanuskewin

Art & Music, Body, Cultural Understandings, Kids/Family, Learn/Education, Participate, Reconciliation 101, This Land, True History

Wanuskewin

This Northern Plains Indigenous Interpretive Site is home to over 6000 years of history, and truly unique cultural experience for the whole family.

Visit Batoche

Art & Music, Body, Cultural Understandings, Kids/Family, Learn/Education, Participate, Reconciliation 101, True History

Batoche National Historic Site

Journey back in time to talk with a 19th century Métis settler about life on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River.

Delve into what reconciliation can be

Head, Participate, Reconciliation 101, Watch

A great short video that can help us all begin the journey of reconciliation. It shows members of our communities sharing what the word reconciliation means to them.

Go to Playgrounds Outside Your Neighbourhood

Body, Kids/Family, Participate

Where to play!

Visiting different playgrounds around Saskatoon is a great way to meet new families from different backgrounds and cultures, play together, and learn that we have much in common.

Share Your Experiences

Heart, Participate, Social Media, Volunteer

When you attend an event, meeting or workshop around Reconciliation, share your journey online with event organizers and your own community. Inspire others to get involved.

Paths to Explore