City celebrates Civic Internship Program graduates

The City of Saskatoon, in partnership with the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF), the Graham Mitchell Foundation through the Urban Alliance on Race Relations and Nutrien, hosted a special event today to celebrate the graduates of the Civic Internship Program.  

The unique leadership development program started October 2024 and was designed to provide mentorship, learning and career-building opportunities for participants from equity-deserving communities. 

 "As mayor, I am committed to fostering opportunities like this internship—programs that connect newcomers with experienced leaders in our community. When we provide all citizens with the chance to develop and apply their skills, we strengthen our city and ensure a brighter future for everyone," says Mayor Cynthia Block. 

The program consisted of two critical components: networking with contacts at decision-making levels and working on a single project/report based on insights gained from those meetings. The work resulted in a final report “Bridging the Gap - Enhancing Newcomer Employment and Workforce Diversity in Saskatoon.”  

“When people from different backgrounds get involved in local decisions, we create stronger, more fair communities for everyone,” says Mohammed Hashim, CRRF Chief Executive Officer. “We’re honoured to have supported the City of Saskatoon’s first Civic Internship graduates, and we look forward to seeing them reap the fruits of their labour.”

Through this program, participants had the opportunity to work directly with the Mayor, City Councillors, senior City Administration and community leaders, gaining insights into municipal governance and its connection to community development. Foundational to the program was the history of Indigenous peoples including the residential school system, the 60s Scoop and MMIWG2S.*  

"Participating in the City of Saskatoon Internship Program was a transformative experience for me as a newcomer.” graduate Muna Jibreal says.  “It opened doors to understanding the City's operations, connecting with the community, and finding my place in Saskatoon's vibrant landscape."  

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*Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit persons