FOUNDATION MESSAGE
Welcome to Treaty Six Territory and the Traditional Homeland of the Métis.
A community foundation has the privilege and the opportunity to support donor legacies over a long timeframe. Every era of a community provides unique opportunities to advance our ongoing dialogue with Saskatoon, to see new beginnings for our community’s future, and to tell our stories in new ways.
On September 16, 2017, it was our honour to host ”wâseskwan”, a gala event celebrating the diversity of our culture, art, and cuisine. We acknowledge our shared past, and offer a vision for a community in which all people live together with respect, mutual understanding and a commitment to create a more inclusive future for all. In Cree, ”wâseskwan” means “the sky is clearing.”
SCF has begun a journey of reconciliation. We are taking our first steps by listening and learning about the experiences of First Nations and Métis. In 2016, SCF signed the Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action, as a sign of our commitment to Reconciliation. SCF participates in Reconciliation Saskatoon. Our grants from the Fund for Canada’s 150th, made possible by our donors and PotashCorp, also focused on reconciliation projects, providing many local organizations with historic opportunities to mobilize real cultural change. With these first steps, we start down a long-term path of healing, creating new relationships and new possibilities.
This event comes to fruition thanks to many volunteers, including board, committee members, and the many other contributors of goods services and hard work. We have been inspired by your generosity, Saskatoon! Thanks to everyone who joined us for “wâseskwan”! Wayne Brownlee & Carm Michalenko
Chair & Executive Director, Saskatoon Community Foundation