Saskatoon unveils Indigenous communications guide

Employees at City Hall in Saskatoon have a new guide to follow as they work to build better relationships with Indigenous organizations across the province.

Today, city officials and leaders from a number of Indigenous organizations unveiled Saskatoon'snew communication guide called ayisnowak, a Cree word meaning the people are talking to each other.

"The journey of reconciliation will take time, open hearts, and open minds," said Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark. "We all have different norms and practices for building relationships and conducting affairs.If we are open to learning and respecting each other's protocols and practices, we will grow stronger as individuals and as a community. This guide is an important step in our reconciliation journey."

City effort a shining example

The guide flows from the work that Saskatoon is doingto respond to the 94 Calls to Action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

The 56-page guide helps city workers find new understanding, respect and awareness of Indigenous culture as they try to build new and effective relationship.

"We have to understand one another to respect one another," said Federation of Sovereign IndigenousNations Chief Bobby Cameron.

Cameron suggested that the guide represents a good start and suggested that it is now up to leaders to keep moving forward so that everyone begins to understand Indigenous culture.

"We have to go together hand in hand to the schools to different sectors, different organizations and say, 'Here is how we are working together, here is how we are partnering.'It's about protocol, communication and respect."

Guide centred on Cree culture

Since Saskatoon is in Treaty 6 Territory, the guide is mainly applicable to Cree practices and teachings. The guide is up on the city's web page and so anyone can use it, but they are being advised to be aware that the practices will change from nation to nation.

The communications guide is also described as a living document that will change over time as relationships evolve.