News Releases

November 8th is National Indigenous Veterans Day; a day to recognize the historic and present-day military service contributions of Indigenous people.

It has been estimated that as many as 12,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people served in the great conflicts of the 20th century and at least 500 lost their lives. Indigenous people have had to overcome many challenges to serve in uniform—from learning a new language and adapting to cultural differences, to travelling great distances from their remote communities just to enlist.

Indigenous men and women have continued to serve in uniform in the post-war years as well. For example, by fulfilling North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) duties in Europe during the Cold War and serving with United Nations and other multinational peace support operations around the world. In more recent years, many Indigenous Canadian Armed Forces members saw hazardous duty in Afghanistan.

Closer to home, Indigenous military personnel have filled a wide variety of roles, including serving with the Canadian Rangers. This group of army reservists is active predominantly in the North, as well as on remote stretches of our east and west coasts. The Rangers use their intimate knowledge of the land there to help maintain a national military presence in these difficult-to-reach areas, monitoring the coastlines and assisting in local rescue operations.

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark says: “Today we recognize the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans in our country. Despite facing the harms from government policy that we continue to come to terms with, thousands of Indigenous men and women have signed up to serve shoulder to shoulder with their non-Indigenous neighbours. They have done this across the country and through the generations. We thank them for this service to our shared nation.”

The City’s Indigenous Initiatives Director, Melissa Cote, says: “Indigenous people have a long and proud tradition of serving in Canada’s military. Unfortunately, their contributions are often overlooked and underappreciated. I encourage people to take some time today to learn about the stories and contributions of Indigenous veterans and those individuals currently serving. They have demonstrated - and continue to demonstrate - bravery, courage, and leadership.”

The City is pleased to announce several recent public artwork installations at various locations throughout the Downtown, Riversdale and Broadway areas:  

“Make a Wish” by Kyle Thornley. Steel sculpture that captures the essence of resilience, growth and optimism expressed through a mature dandelion stalk and seeds, held by vibrant, colourful fingers. Located Downtown at the corner of 2nd Avenue N and 23rd Street E.

“Inner City” by Josh Jacobson. Mural highlighting an urban female jackrabbit bounding towards Saskatoon city centre. “Inner City” is 1,675 square feet in size, making it one of the largest murals in the city. Located in River Landing beneath the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge.

“Resurgence” by Ruth Cuthand and Henry Lau, painted by Steven Paul. 3D aluminum sculpture of a buffalo cow and calf in an intimate position, representing the relationship between Indigenous people and the buffalo. Located in the Riversdale Business Improvement District (BID) at the corner of 20th Street and Avenue B.

“Carousal” by Karen Ho Fatt Lee. Two aluminum carousel-type horses coated in brightly coloured paints (orange, yellow and blue) and attached with a center pole. “Carousal” is a play on words, a merry-go-round of fun and boisterous (carousing) merrymaking. Located in the Broadway BID at the corner of Broadway Avenue and 10th Street.  

“Saadat Qalbi/Miyawâtam 1” by Ruth Cuthand and Suada Jailan, curated by Dr. Jen Budney. Hand-painted aluminum sculpture composed of floral motives inspired by both Cree/Michif beadwork and traditional East African henna design. Located in the Broadway BID at the corner of Broadway Avenue and Main Street.

For more information on public art in Saskatoon, visit saskatoon.ca/publicart.

Saskatoon Light & Power will be putting up seasonal decorations on city bridges starting tomorrow. Work will impact traffic on the following bridges: 
 
University Bridge – Tuesday, November 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  
Broadway Bridge – Tuesday, November 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
 
Due to the time it takes to install seasonal decorations, work needs to start early. Decorations will not be turned on until after November 11. 
 
These will be moving work zones and will impact traffic in both directions. Road users are reminded to slow down in work zones and be respectful of workers. 

Saskatoon Transit is recognizing veterans and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces with free transit service on Remembrance Day.  
 
The free bus service will be offered to armed forces veterans and current serving personnel, including cadets and reservists. Free bus service will also be provided to their one companion.  
 
Eligible transit users can identify themselves by wearing a military uniform or presenting military ID or a CF1 card when they board.  
 
Providing free transit to veterans and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces is a way to recognize the tremendous commitment they have made, and continue to make, to the community and country.  
 
Saskatoon Transit buses will also display a “Lest We Forget” message on November 11. 

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

CIRCLE DR WB SPEED REDUCTION FROM LORNE AVE TO GORDIE HOWE BRIDGE
(Construction)
Start: November 8, 7:00 a.m. End: November 10, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR VARIOUS EB & WB LANE CLOSURES FROM CUMBERLAND AVE N TO PRESTON AVE N
(Streetlight bulb replacement)
Start: November 8, 9:00 a.m. End: November 8, 3:00 p.m.

ATTRIDGE DR WB MEDIAN LANE CLOSED FROM FORESTRY FARM PARK DR TO REVER RD
(Road resurfacing)
Start: November 8, 11:00 a.m. End: November 8, 2:00 p.m.

ONGOING

NEAULT RD NB & SB SPEED REDUCTION FROM 22ND ST W TO 33RD ST W
(Water Main installation)
Start: October 29, 7:00 a.m. End: November 10, 5:00 p.m.

20TH ST E EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM 2ND AVE S TO 4TH AVE S
(Roadwork)
Start: November 3, 7:00 a.m. End: November 12, 4:00 p.m.
 

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.