Reconciliation and DEI

June 21 has been recognized annually as National Indigenous Peoples Day (formerly National Aboriginal Day) since 1996. For generations, many Indigenous communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the Summer Solstice as the longest day of the year. This is a day to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of Indigenous people.

The City of Saskatoon co-hosts the annual Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation on this day. As well, we contribute to the Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centre's Indigenous Peoples Day Community Celebration in Victoria Park on June 21. Both events are free and open to all.

On June 27, Canadian Multiculturalism Day honours the many cultural communities that help build a strong and vibrant society. Take this opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity that enriches us collectively and reaffirm your commitment to equity, inclusion, and mutual respect.

Check out the Saskatoon Open Door Society Society (SODS) events calendar to see what events they might be offering on or around this day.

Since 2013, Canada has recognized September 30 as Orange Shirt Day—a day to acknowledge the impacts of residential schools. In 2021, in the wake of locating unmarked graves at residential schools across Canada, the federal government passed legislation to also designate September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

> News Release - City to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept 30, 2021) as Stat

Wearing orange on September 30 continues to be one way to honour residential school survivors, their families, and those who didn’t make it home.

The City celebrates the contributions to our community from individuals living with different abilities (disabilities) on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Persons with different abilities add to the richness and diversity of our community and bring unique perspectives and strengths that benefit us all.

Some disabilities are visible—such as someone that uses a mobility aid like a wheelchair. Other disabilities are invisible—as can be the case with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, or a brain injury. It’s important that we create and maintain a community that provides the supports and inclusivity that makes every resident feel valued and welcome regardless of differing abilities.

The City’s 2022-25 Strategic Plan outlines the City’s commitment in the area of Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (REDI). City Council is prioritizing work to foster meaningful organizational and policy change to help extinguish all types of systemic barriers including the kind experienced by people with disabilities. There is work to be done in communities everywhere to correct a history of “ableism” (discrimination of differently abled individuals) and to create equal opportunities for every person.

On Dec. 3, the City calls on Saskatoon employers and organizations to recognize the value and unique contributions of persons with different abilities (visible and invisible disabilities), and to initiate conversations about inclusion in the workplace that centre the voices of persons with lived experience.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was established in 1992 at the United National General Assembly.

The City recognizes Dec. 6 as the National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women. On Dec. 6, 1989, 14 women were brutally gunned down by a shooter who said he was “fighting feminism” at Polytechnique Montréal post-secondary school. This violent act of misogyny led to the day’s annual designation in Canada.

This day is about supporting those who have experienced gender-based violence and honouring those we’ve lost to it. It’s also a time to take action.

on Dec. 6, 2023, the City is asking employees to wear a moose hide pin as a way to initiate conversations on harmful words and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence. These pins – which demonstrate a commitment to honour, respect, and protect women – have been made available as part of the national Moose Hide Campaign. Why a moose hide pin? We’re promoting the Moose Hide Campaign in acknowledgment of the disproportionate gender-based violence against Indigenous women and girls and Two Spirit persons in our community.

The City is also making moose hide pins available to residents; they will be set out at the Customer Care desk in City Hall lobby between Dec. 4-6 while supplies last. Everyone that wears a pin is challenged to tell 5 other people what it signifies. Sparking these conversations is an important part of addressing this issue.

On Dec. 6, we remember those we’ve lost and affirm a commitment to end misogyny—the hatred of, contempt for, and prejudice against women and girls. We call on all residents of Saskatoon to speak up against words and actions that are harmful.

The flags in Civic Square (south lawn of City Hall) will be lowered on this day to remember the Polytechnique Montréal women and to honour all victims of gender-based violence.