The impact of grants from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon on children, on families, and on Indigenous language and culture was recently highlighted at a partnership appreciation event in the diocese of Saskatoon.
At a spring partnership and appreciation event May 23, Indigenous Reconciliation Discernment Circle Co-Chair Gordon Martell described the goals and the process for the diocesan Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
A local Indigenous-led Discernment Circle has distributed IRF grants to a number of projects over the past three years including Indigenous family wellness programming, summer literacy camps for children, a Cree language conference, nutrition support at St. Mary Wellness and Education Centre, a Nîkânîwin Leadership Program for youth, and a learning program for newcomers led by Elders and knowledge keepers at People’s Bridge Advocacy.
The diocese is within $60,000 of reaching its $1.25 commitment towards the five-year $30-million national Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) established by the Catholic Bishops of Canada.
Discernment Circle IRF grants awarded so far:
For more information about the diocese’s Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, including application forms for projects and links to donate to the fund, see the website: rcdos.ca/indigenous-reconciliation-fundor contact the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace (306) 659-5841.
Photos from the IRF appreciation event:
Discernment Circle co-chair Kelley Cardinal emceed the afternoon gathering highlighting projects that have been supported through the diocesan Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Discernment Circle member Elder Irene Sharp of Our Lady of Guadalupe Indigenous Parish in Saskatoon offered a prayer to open and close the event. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Fr. Kevin McGee, Vicar-General for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, brought greetings from Bishop Mark Hagemoen, who was out of the diocese and unable to attend.
Reconciliation supporters gathered May 23 for an afternoon event highlighting the diocesan Indigenous Reconciliation Fund and its impact. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)TRC work of the diocesan Discernment Circle
Discernment Circle co-chair Gordon Martell offered an overview of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund and its goals and administration in the diocese, including the covenant that guides the work of the Discernment Circle overseeing the local efforts.
IRF Discernment Circle co-chair Gordon Martell provided an overview. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Kurt Wintermute Board Chair United Way spoke about IRF support for the Summer Success Literacy Camp: “This is a significant impact on a vitally important part of our community.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Gary Beaudin, Director of Community Impact for the United Way, described the impact of the Summer Success Literacy Camp assisted by a grant from the diocesan IRF: “It really makes a big difference for these kids. And again, affordability is a huge issue.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Myron Rogal, diocesan coordinator of Justice and Peace and an ex-officio member of the Indigenous-led IRF Discernment Circle and granting committee read a testimony about the YXE Cree Speakers Society conference that has received IRF funding for the past three years “…bringing together Indigenous Leaders, teachers, and advocates from across Cree communities, and aspiring Cree language speakers to learn and network.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBS) Saskatoon Director of Development Kara Lackie described the Nîkânîwin Mentorship Program that received an IRF grant for its work with Indigenous youth ages 8-12, offered in partnership with Indigenous Sport Saskatchewan. “At BBBS we recognize that we operate in a colonial structure, and while continually challenging ourselves to think and re-think systems that we are accustomed to working in , this means asking ourselves uncomfortable questions and being open to change, and remaining accountable to the communities that we serve,” Lackie said. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Moses Ahiabu, Executive Assistant, Peoples Bridge Advocacy, described the series of truth and reconciliation and Indigenous learning events developed with support from the diocesan IRF: “Let us continue working together, grounded in truth, guided by justice, and united in efforts.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Discernment Circle co-chair Kelley Cardinal spoke on behalf of St. Mary Wellness and Education Centre which received an IRF grant for a program focused on food security and nutrition: “If your belly is growling, you can’t focus on learning.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Haven Executive Director Dionne Miazdyck-Shield described the agency’s Indigenous programming, including Traditional Parenting courses and Women’s Empowerment Circles that have been supported by grants from the diocesan IRF Discernment Circle: “It has had such a huge and important impact for so many Indigenous families.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski)
MC Kelley Cardinal of the diocesan Discernment Circle, and Executive Director of the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation (l-r) during a question and answer session that was part of the partnership appreciation event held May 23 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Donors, partners, volunteers, and supporters of reconciliation and healing gathered for an appreciation event May 23 highlighting the diocesan Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Discernment Circle co-chair Gordon Martell (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
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