Government of Saskatchewan Response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls - saskatchewan.ca

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Government of Saskatchewan Response to the National Inquiry
into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

saskatchewan.ca
Contents
Introduction. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 2

Saskatchewan Engagement
with Indigenous Peoples. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 3

Responses to the Calls for Justice. .  .  .  .  .  . 3

       CULTURE .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 3
                Continuing Cultural Awareness Training
                Across the Public Service.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 3

       HEALTH AND WELLNESS.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 4
                Partnerships Contributing
                to Health and Wellness .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 4

       HUMAN SECURITY.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 6
                Housing and Shelters .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 6
                Child Protection . .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 7
                Interpersonal Violence
                and Abuse Supports. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 7
                Education and Training Supports.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 8                                       Introduction
       JUSTICE. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 9                   The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered
                                                                                                                                      Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) released its Final
                Restorative Justice.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 9      Report on June 3, 2019. The Inquiry provided a critical
                Corrections, Policing and Public Safety. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 10                                                    voice to the families of missing and murdered Indigenous
                                                                                                                                      women and girls and survivors of violence. We have
                                                                                                                                      an obligation to past, present and future generations to
Commemoration Initiatives .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 11                                                                                prevent violence and ensure safer communities.
                                                                                                                                      Understanding that we have a responsibility to address
                                                                                                                                      the urgent and tragic issue of MMIWG, Saskatchewan has
Concluding Remarks. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 11                                                                 developed and advanced a number of integral initiatives,
                                                                                                                                      policies and programs in partnership with Indigenous
                                                                                                                                      peoples. This document provides a high-level overview
                                                                                                                                      of the Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment,
                                                                                                                                      contributions and efforts to create meaningful and lasting
                                                                                                                                      change.

   G o ve r n m e n t o f S a s ka t c h e wa n R e s p o n s e t o t h e N a t i o n a l I n q u i r y i n t o M i s s i n g a n d M u rd e re d I n d i g e n o u s Wo m e n a n d G i r l s
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Saskatchewan Engagement                                                                              with police, other Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations,
                                                                                                     and provincial ministries. Additionally, the Ministry of Justice
with Indigenous Peoples                                                                              and Attorney General supports the annual Northern Justice
                                                                                                     Symposium, which has become an important forum to gain the
                                                                                                     insights of Indigenous peoples and northern communities on
The Government of Saskatchewan is working to engage with
                                                                                                     many of the systemic issues raised by the National Inquiry.
Indigenous peoples and develop respectful partnerships at many
levels. Cultural inclusion and diversity are key priorities. Seeking
the guidance of Elders, Elder
Advisory Committees and
Traditional Knowledge Keepers        The Elders Forum engages with the                               Responses to the Calls for Justice
representing First Nations and       Ministry of Justice and Attorney General
                                     and the Ministry of Corrections, Policing                       The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes that violence
Métis groups in communities                                                                          against First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women, girls, and
across Saskatchewan helps            and Public Safety to provide advice about
                                     justice-related policies, programs, and                         2SLGBTQQIA+ people is a pressing priority that requires
ministries ensure distinct                                                                           immediate and ongoing commitment to implement preventative
Indigenous voices, perspectives      operations. The Elders Forum includes
                                                                                                     actions as well as measures to promote safety and justice. The
and ways of knowing are              male and female Elders representing
                                                                                                     following initiatives are listed under each of the four primary
incorporated into government         all of the major cultural and linguistic
                                                                                                     themes of the National Inquiry: Culture, Health and Wellness,
work across sectors.                 Indigenous groups in the province.
                                                                                                     Human Security and Justice.
Saskatchewan recognizes              Examples of programs and initiatives
that the inclusion of families       that have benefited from the advice
and survivors and pursuit of         and guidance of the Elders include:                             CULTURE                                                SaskCulture, with funding from the
Indigenous-led solutions are         First Nations and northern policing; the                        The Government of                                      Saskatchewan Lottery Trust Fund,
crucial to advancing MMIWG           redesign of the Saskatchewan Coroners                           Saskatchewan recognizes                                provides the Aboriginal Arts and
initiatives. Collaborative and       Service; Provincial Court jury selection;                       the importance of preserving                           Culture Leadership Grant and the
reciprocal partnerships have         the design of the Regina Provincial                             and restoring Indigenous                               Métis Cultural Development Fund.
been built through committees        Correctional Centre; prosecutions; and                          culture, identity, language and                        These programs support activities that
and working groups that              victims services.                                               worldviews.                                            preserve, strengthen and transmit
include representatives from                                                                                                                                Indigenous culture, traditions and
                                     The Elders have shared their experience                         Ministry funding and
Indigenous organizations.                                                                                                                                   leadership in Saskatchewan. The
                                     and wisdom regarding services and                               grants support Indigenous
These relationships help form                                                                                                                               Multicultural Initiatives Fund supports
                                     supports for families of MMIWG and                              organizations, events and
and improve program, policy                                                                                                                                 projects that advance cross-cultural
                                     survivors of violence; the broad, systemic                      initiatives throughout the
and legislative approaches.                                                                                                                                 understanding and reconciliation.
                                     issues raised in the Calls for Justice; and                     province. Ministries work with
In July 2020, the Ministry           reconciliation.                                                 Elders and Advisors to support
of Justice and Attorney                                                                              Indigenous families and communities in culturally responsive
General, Ministry of                                                                                 ways that include holistic approaches for spiritual, emotional,
Government Relations, and Status of Women Office co-hosted                                           mental and physical healing through counselling and ceremony.
an online session with the federal government and Indigenous
                                                                                                     Having spaces that are inclusive of Indigenous cultures reflects
organizations to discuss the co-development of a National Action
                                                                                                     the diversity of our province. The Ministry of Health and the
Plan responding to the Calls for Justice. The event highlighted
                                                                                                     Saskatchewan Health Authority, for example, have begun
Saskatchewan’s promising practices, engagement approaches
                                                                                                     preliminary engagement with the Prince Albert Grand Council
and challenges related to addressing violence against Indigenous
                                                                                                     to redevelop the Prince Albert
women, girls, and Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,                                                                        4 Seasons of Reconciliation is a
                                                                                                     Victoria Hospital. Plans for the
queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+)                                                                                    multi-media teaching unit divided into
                                                                                                     redeveloped hospital include the
peoples. Federal and provincial ministers and the Lieutenant
                                                                                                     design of a dedicated Indigenous 10 education modules that promotes
Governor of Saskatchewan attended. There were presentations
                                                                                                     cultural space. Creating such a      a renewed relationship between
from the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
                                                                                                     space presents an opportunity        Indigenous peoples and Canadians.
Women’s Commission, Les Filles de Madeleine Secretariat
                                                                                                     for innovative, culturally
Inc., Saskatchewan Aboriginal Women’s Circle Corporation,                                                                                 Program resources have been produced
                                                                                                     responsive service delivery. This
Piwapan Women’s Centre, and Aboriginal Friendship Centres of                                                                              under the guidance of the First Nations
                                                                                                     culturally affirming space will
Saskatchewan. Approximately 350 people attended the online                                                                                University of Canada’s Indigenous
                                                                                                     be a foundational component of
event.                                                                                                                                    Advisory Circle.
                                                                                                     the building that links to other
Ministries meet regularly with                    In 2019, the Saskatchewan Health                   programming in Prince Albert
Indigenous organizations                                                                             and surrounding communities.
                                                  Authority (SHA) hosted its inaugural
to host and fund events,
                                                  meeting of Knowledge Keepers, Elders
conferences, and gatherings
                                                  and Traditional Healers representing the           Continuing Cultural Awareness Training
to bring communities together
to honour the spirits of
                                                  nine linguistic groups in Saskatchewan.            Across the Public Service
                                                  The Traditional Knowledge Keeper
MMIWG. For example, the                                                                              The Government of Saskatchewan understands the importance
Saskatchewan Missing Persons                      Advisory Committee helps guide SHA’s
                                                                                                     of ensuring the public service is aware of the unique place
Partnership has representation                    Executive Leadership on how to make
                                                                                                     Indigenous peoples have in Saskatchewan. Knowing the history
from the Federation of                            system changes that will ensure cultural
                                                                                                     and cultures of First Nations and Métis people is crucial to
Sovereign Indigenous Nations                      responsiveness and create culturally safe          bringing awareness to the challenges Indigenous women and
Women’s Commission and                            environments that meet the needs of                girls face. With this in mind, Saskatchewan’s ministries work
the Saskatchewan Family                           First Nations and Métis populations in             toward cultural and historic competency for all public servants.
Information Liaison Unit, along                   Saskatchewan.                                      Ministries participate in Aboriginal Awareness Training, Culturally

      G o ve r n m e n t o f S a s ka t c h e wa n R e s p o n s e t o t h e N a t i o n a l I n q u i r y i n t o M i s s i n g a n d M u rd e re d I n d i g e n o u s Wo m e n a n d G i r l s
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Responsive Training, the                                                                             groups. This approach
KAIROS Blanket Exercise, 4                          First Nations and Métis content,                 promotes system-wide cultural                         The Traditional Pathways Program is
Seasons of Reconciliation,                          perspectives and ways of knowing                 responsiveness to the cultural                        a unique, culturally responsive program
Canadian Indigenous Culture                         are foundational within all Ministry of          safety of First Nations and                           that provides access to traditional
training, Respect in the                            Education Kindergarten to Grade 12               Métis people in Saskatchewan.                         medicine supports and services for First
Workplace training and other                        curricula to ensure students learn about                                                               Nations and Métis patients.
                                                                                                     Ministries work with local
opportunities to ensure the                         historical and contemporary experiences,         organizations to develop
public service is culturally                        racism and relationships involving Métis,        health and wellness training, education and programs to address
aware.                                              First Nations and non-Indigenous peoples         violence and abuse, and other culturally-safe and trauma-
Several ministries have a                           of Canada. Provincial languages curricula        informed practices and services. Healing projects and programs
dedicated Senior Indigenous                         are available, as well as locally developed      address the whole individual and include healing circles, life skills
Advisor position that works                         Indigenous courses.                              development, and mental health and addictions support.
alongside senior leadership to
                                                                                                     The Grey Wolf Lodge was launched in January 2020 to provide
improve responses and make policy adjustments that respond
                                                                                                     traditional healing practices to patients and families who request
to the needs of Indigenous communities and organizations.
                                                                                                     traditional support as part of their healthcare plan. A traditional
Senior Indigenous Advisors work with their colleagues to create
                                                                                                     medicine team has been established in the Regina area, and
a community of practice that respects and reflects Indigenous
                                                                                                     the team is working on ways to better support communities
perspectives.
                                                                                                     provincially. The goal is to enhance this service over time to
The Government of                                   Licensed Professional Counselor,                 provide traditional healing as part of a healthcare option to all
Saskatchewan also supports                          Trauma and Wellness Educator, Duane              citizens of Saskatchewan.
trauma-informed care training                       T. Bowers, shared his expertise with             Furthermore, in September 2020 the provincial government
to the public service at large and                  Saskatchewan which helped guide the              announced funding through the Criminal Property Forfeiture
front-line workers in particular,                   province’s response to missing persons           Fund for Piwapan Women’s Centre in La Ronge. This funding will
and has encouraged its partner                      and the engagement process with the              support a collaborative and holistic domestic violence program to
organizations to also engage in                     Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of              engage the community, build accountability for family violence,
this training and practice.                         Saskatchewan.                                    promote healthy family relationships and reduce interpersonal
In 2017-18, the Government                                                                           violence. The project was developed to support the region’s
of Saskatchewan launched an                                                                          community alcohol management plan by a committee that
Inclusion Strategy. Some of the activities undertaken as part of                                     included representation from Public Prosecutions, Legal Aid,
this strategy include:                                                                               Community Corrections, La Ronge Native Women’s Council,
• a more proactive and targeted recruitment approach focusing                                        RCMP, Victim Services, Lac La Ronge Indian Band Health Services
   on inclusion and diversity group members;                                                         and the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
• establishing an inclusion committee in each ministry to assist in
   developing a more inclusive workplace culture in government;                                                                                            The Province recognizes that issues
   and                                                                                               Partnerships Contributing                             around mental health wellness and
• an inclusion toolkit developed by the Public Service                                               to Health and Wellness                                suicide prevention are important.
   Commission in 2019, which is aimed at providing managers                                          In June 2020, on the one-year                         On September 24, 2020 a Letter of
   and employees with the tools and supports they need to                                            anniversary of the MMIWG                              Commitment (LOC) to address First Nations
   succeed in creating an inclusive workplace culture.                                               National Inquiry, Saskatchewan                        Suicide Prevention was signed by the
Additionally, each ministry has a staff representative who                                           announced that for the 2020-21                        Ministry of Health (MoH), Indigenous
participates on the Inclusion Community of Practice group.                                           fiscal year the First Nations and                     Services Canada (ISC) and the Federation
Community of Practice groups meet to discuss and share                                               Métis Community Partnership                           of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).
resources, updates, and learning opportunities, and discuss                                          Projects program of the Ministry                      A Steering Committee has been formed
actions to increase inclusive and diverse workplace environments.                                    of Government Relations would                         with participation from MoH, FSIN,
                                                                                                     focus on locally-developed                            Saskatchewan Health Authority and ISC.
                                                                                                     projects related to issues raised
HEALTH AND WELLNESS                                                                                  by the National Inquiry. Special
                                                                                                                                                           The purpose of this Steering Committee
                                                                                                                                                           is to assist in the sharing of information,
The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes that health and                                            consideration was also to be                          and consulting on initiatives designed to
wellness are imperative to the overall needs of Indigenous                                           given for initiatives addressing                      reduce the numbers of suicides amongst
peoples. First Nations, Inuit,                                                                       vulnerabilities within society
                                                                                                                                                           First Nations peoples, both on and off-
Métis and 2SLGBTQQIA+               The Ministry of Education, Ministry of                           that lead to risks for inter-
                                                                                                                                                           reserve. The last meeting of this Steering
people’s health and wellness        Health and the Saskatchewan Health                               personal violence. This will
                                                                                                                                                           Committee was on April 21, 2021.
can be addressed most               Authority work together on the Mental                            help advance MMIWG Calls
effectively through services        Health Capacity Building in Schools                              for Justice that highlight the
designed and delivered in           initiative in five schools in the province.                      importance of denouncing violence against Indigenous women,
culturally affirming ways.          The Government of Saskatchewan has                               girls, and people of diverse genders and sexual orientations.
This means respecting and           also committed funding to provide Mental                         In late 2020, the Ministry of Government Relations announced
incorporating the advice of         Health First Aid training to at least one                        additional funding for this program. The following projects
Knowledge Keepers, Elders           staff member in each of Saskatchewan’s 27                        promote leadership skills, mental health supports, educational
and Traditional Healers from        school divisions.                                                supports, relationship building, and intergenerational violence
Saskatchewan’s nine linguistic                                                                       awareness and prevention.

      G o ve r n m e n t o f S a s ka t c h e wa n R e s p o n s e t o t h e N a t i o n a l I n q u i r y i n t o M i s s i n g a n d M u rd e re d I n d i g e n o u s Wo m e n a n d G i r l s
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First Nations and Métis Community Partnership Projects
Project                          Partners                                                Purpose                                                 Beneficiaries
Engaging Young Leaders           Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yorkton, the                Leadership skills including social inclusion,           Young adults (ages 18 to 21) and youth
of Today                         Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Good                 mental health and wellness, school                      (14 to 21) in Yorkton and surrounding
                                 Spirit School Division, and the Yorkton Tribal          achievement, technological skills to assist             communities, and Yorkton Tribal Council First
                                 Council.                                                vulnerable youth in making choices that                 Nations
                                                                                         keep them safe and on a path of growth and
                                                                                         development.
The Treaty Land Sharing          Office of the Treaty Commissioner and the               Opportunities for cross-cultural learning and           Indigenous women and girls, farmers,
Network                          Nature Conservancy.                                     relationship building. Enhance the safety               ranchers, and rural people
                                                                                         and security of Indigenous women and
                                                                                         girls through strengthening connections
                                                                                         to culture and identity and by providing
                                                                                         opportunity to access traditional medicines,
                                                                                         supplies, food sources, and space for
                                                                                         ceremony.
Women & Girls Wellness           North Sask Victim Services Inc., Kids First             Awareness and teachings regarding                       La Loche and Clearwater River Dene Nation
Group                            North, Armand Bekkattla Treatment                       MMIWG, such as interpersonal violence,
                                 Centre, SHA’s Suicide Prevention Program,               sex trafficking, substance abuse, healthy
                                 Community Safety Board, Northern Village of             relationships, and self-care.
                                 La Loche, and the RCMP.
Grandmothers’ Teachings          Treaty Education Alliance (TEA), Kids Help              Strengthen intergenerational relationships              Girls aged 12 to 16 in Cote First Nation,
                                 Phone, local cultural artists                           while addressing stressors that increase                Kawacatoose First Nation, Pheasant Rump
                                                                                         the risk for interpersonal violence.                    Nakota Nation, and White Bear First Nations
                                                                                         Promote healthy relationships and healing
                                                                                         through intergenerational learning and
                                                                                         empowerment.
The Family Wellness and          North West Friendship Centre, Saskatchewan              Address gaps in interpersonal violence-                 Offenders who commit interpersonal
Healing Project                  RCMP – Crime Prevention/Crime Reduction                 related programs offered in northern                    violence and their families and communities
                                 Unit Meadow Lake                                        Saskatchewan.
Church Renovation Safe           Keeseekoose Full Gospel Church and                      To provide a safe space for victims of       Community members struggling with
Space Project                    Indigenous Services Canada (First Nations               domestic violence to stay and access healing addictions
                                 and Inuit Health Branch) regional and federal           supports.
                                 offices
Witchekan Lake First             RCMP Victim Services and the Provincial                 To develop a Community Safety Response                  Community members and Witchekan Lake
Nation Safety Response           Association of Transition Houses and                    Program Model to address vulnerabilities of             School
Program                          Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS), Firebird              Indigenous Women and Children towards
                                 Business Consulting                                     inter-personal violence.
Men of the North: Pilot          Men and boys in northern Saskatchewan                   To engage men and boys in healing from                  Community members in northern
Project                                                                                  past traumas of intergenerational abuse                 Saskatchewan
                                                                                         and decrease interpersonal and domestic
                                                                                         violence and build safe and healthy
                                                                                         communities.
Strategy and Action              MMIWG2S Advisory Group (Iskwewuk                        To develop a report and recommendations                 Citizens of the City of Saskatoon
Plan Development for             Ewichiwitochik [Women Walking                           that would feed into a longer-term strategy
Response to MMIWG2S              Together], Aboriginal Friendship Centres                and action plan on how to improve the
Calls for Justice                of Saskatchewan, OUTSaskatoon, Les Filles               quality of life and health and safety for
                                 de Madelaine, Saskatoon Tribal Council,                 Indigenous women and girls and two spirit
                                 Saskatoon Fire Department, Saskatoon                    people experiencing all forms of violence,
                                 Public Library, Saskatoon Police Service,               trauma and/or exploitation.
                                 RCMP, both school districts, Sixties Scoop
                                 Indigenous Society of Saskatchewan Inc.)
Community                        Prince Albert Police and North Central                  Identify gaps in current services delivered by          Victims of human/sex trafficking and
Enhancement Project              Indigenous Committee                                    other service providers; teach self-defense             potential victims of human/sex trafficking
                                                                                         to Indigenous women and girls; deliver
                                                                                         healthy relationship/dating and keeping safe
                                                                                         educational classes.
Safety Response Program          Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First           The Mosquito First Nation’s Economic                    Indigenous women and girls
                                 Nation                                                  Development Corp. in partnership with
                                                                                         Kanaweyimik Child and Family Services
                                                                                         Inc. has engaged the services of Firebird
                                                                                         Business Consulting
Montreal Lake Cree               MLCN Urban Services Inc. and the YWCA                   To support women and their families fleeing             Families who are most at risk of failing
Nation (MLCN) Domestic                                                                   domestic violence across MLCN urban                     to leave a violent home and/or slipping
Violence Crisis and                                                                      centres in two ways – crisis response and               through the net of service provision
Transition Support                                                                       support and transitional support.
Project
Be Safe: A Communities           Métis Faamii and Duck Lake, Rosthern,                   Online, educational information, best                   Community members
Guide to Search, Fire and        Hague Volunteer Fire & Rescue                           practices and how-to on search, water and
Rescue                                                                                   fire rescue and create awareness on Missing
                                                                                         and Murdered Indigenous women and girls.

     G o ve r n m e n t o f S a s ka t c h e wa n R e s p o n s e t o t h e N a t i o n a l I n q u i r y i n t o M i s s i n g a n d M u rd e re d I n d i g e n o u s Wo m e n a n d G i r l s
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It is well documented that Indigenous women and girls in northern Saskatchewan face high rates of interpersonal violence and abuse.
Northern Saskatchewan has the highest rate of violent crime against young women and girls in the province. As a result, Indigenous
and Northern Relations in the Ministry of Government Relations has taken several measures to address these critical issues. For
example, staff have dedicated collaborative supports to the Embracing Life Initiative since its inception in 2014. Embracing Life was
recently awarded two grants for the Resiliency Builder project and for youth training and development, adult ally training and the
creation of a working group to create northern and Indigenous-specific community wellness and suicide prevention resources. This
interagency table focuses on community wellness and preventative measures for suicide that are related to the causes of people going
missing and becoming victims of violence. Community wellness and suicide prevention initiatives led or supported by Government
Relations staff include:

                                               Community Wellness and Suicide Prevention Initiatives
 Initiative                                   Description
 Pillars for Life: The Saskatchewan           Created to guide suicide prevention initiative and activities to the cultural and social landscape of Saskatchewan. The plan aligns
 Suicide Prevention Plan                      with Saskatchewan’s Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan and is an important step forward in reducing the province’s
                                              suicide rates in building strength, resilience and hope in Saskatchewan people.
 Northern Healthy Community                   Aims to improve health outcomes across Saskatchewan’s north. The partnership cultivates connections and provides specialized
 Partnership (NHCP)                           tools to help our partners reach the people they serve by working together towards a single, shared goal. Partner organizations
                                              jointly identify priority areas for action based on everyday challenges that impact the health of northern Saskatchewan residents.
                                              NHCP Action Teams choose, plan, implement and evaluate strategies and projects that address the root causes of an identified
                                              issue and provide real world solutions. Active Communities and Building Vibrant Youth are two of these action teams. There are
                                              also three others: Babies, Books & Bonding, Healthy Eating team, and the Northern Tobacco Strategy.
 Building Vibrant Youth                       Working to increase adult allies outside family homes to support youth.
 Active Communities                           Working to keep communities active and positive.
 Lac La Ronge Community Alcohol               Core Group – Advocates, collects data and identifies ways communities use and misuse alcohol. This is an interagency table made
 Management Plan                              up of community services, provincial government stakeholders, the municipal government, and Lac La Ronge Indian Band.
 La Ronge Domestic Violence                   Creating holistic approaches to healthy relationship training, counselling, and program support.
 Committee
 Saskatchewan Alliance for Youth &            Support the provincial board for Saskatchewan Alliance for Youth & Community Wellbeing.
 Community Wellbeing
 Roots of Hope – Mental Health                A multi-site, community-led project that aims to reduce the impacts of suicide within communities across Canada. The project
 Commission – La Ronge branch                 builds upon community expertise to implement suicide prevention interventions that are tailored to the local context. The
                                              primary goal is to develop an evidence base that includes best practices and suicide prevention guidelines.
 Indigenous Spirits Board                     Supports youth involvement for cultural programming outside of the school to help youth learn about Indigenous culture, music
                                              performing, and language.

HUMAN SECURITY                                                                                       to respond to local needs by building affordable rental housing
                                                                                                     projects for vulnerable and low-income people not commonly
The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the importance of                                          served by the private housing
ensuring and promoting the safety and security of Indigenous                                         market. Projects serve
peoples. Programs and services that provide safe access to shelter,                                  individuals with mental            Sawêyihtotân [suh-WEE-uh-TOTE-
protection and services for those fleeing interpersonal violence                                     health issues and addictions,      tan], which means “let us bless each
and abuse, as well as educational and training opportunities, are                                    individuals experiencing           other through our show of respect for
offered and delivered across the province.                                                           homelessness, at-risk youth,       each other”, is an interagency response
                                                                                                     families going through             to individuals in downtown Saskatoon
                                                                                                     reunification, and victims of      who are homeless. Partners include
Housing And Shelters
                                                                                                     family violence.                   the Saskatoon Tribal Council, the City of
The government invests in sustainable housing for individuals                                                                           Saskatoon Police Service, the Ministry of
                                                                                                     The Province also develops
who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The                                                                                   Social Services, the Saskatoon Housing
                                                                                                     partnerships with community
Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) partners with                                                                                    Authority, and other organizations that
                                                                                                     organizations to provide wrap-
communities, ministries, and agencies to fill housing gaps. The                                                                         are part of the Saskatoon Inter-Agency
                                                                                                     around supports and services
Province also continues to partner with First Nations and Métis                                                                         Response to Safety and Well-Being.
                                                                                                     to clients with complex needs.
housing providers that deliver housing to Indigenous people in                                                                          Operating during the COVID-19 pandemic,
                                                                                                     Partners include:
Saskatchewan.                                                                                                                           the Sawêyihtotân team integrated with
                                                                                                     • Yorkton Tribal Council;
The Social Housing Program provides safe, secure and affordable                                      • John Howard Society; and         support services offered out of White
housing to families and individuals with low incomes. Rent is                                        • Saskatoon Tribal Council.        Buffalo Youth Lodge to find either short-
subsidized based on financial need. The program prioritizes                                                                             term or long-term housing for people in
                                                                                                     These partnerships provide         need. The project team had interactions
families and individuals who are temporarily homeless, as well
                                                                                                     second-stage housing for
as victims of family violence, including those living in emergency                                                                      with people where they offered daily
                                                                                                     domestic violence, family
shelters.                                                                                                                               health check-ins, transportation assistance,
                                                                                                     reunification services, daycare
Through the Shelter Enhancement Program, funding is available                                                                           meal delivery and help securing housing.
                                                                                                     services, meal services, tenant
to enhance existing shelter facilities for at risk women and victims                                                                    The project pilot started in April 2020 and
                                                                                                     service provided on a fee-for-
of family violence by improving security, safety, accessibility,                                                                        has been extended to March 31, 2022.
                                                                                                     service basis, and witness
energy efficiency, and comfort.                                                                      protection.
Additionally, the Rental Development Program provides funding
to Indigenous and non-Indigenous community organizations
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Gabriel Housing Corporation/Adult Fetal Alcohol Spectrum (FAS) Adult Mentoring is a four-unit project that houses families with parents who have a cognitive disability such as FAS.
Supports from Eagle Heart Family Services help the families remain together and stay housed.
Silver Sage Holdings Ltd. opened five single-family dwellings for households in need of emergency or transitional housing. Silver Sage acquired and renovated the homes, which are located in
residential neighbourhoods close to schools, services and amenities. Silver Sage has partnered with Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services to provide support services for these at-risk clients facing
housing crisis.

                                                 Child Protection                                      In 2019, the Government of Canada proclaimed An Act respecting
Social Services partnered with the                                                                     First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. This
Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA)              The Ministry of Social Services
                                                                                                       new legislation aims to reduce the number of Indigenous children
and The Lighthouse Supported Living              has engaged in enhanced
                                                                                                       and youth in care and improve child and family services. Three
                                                 training to ensure thorough,
Inc. (The Lighthouse) for the use of 12                                                                Indigenous Governing Bodies in Saskatchewan have provided
                                                 transparent and inclusive
housing units in Saskatoon to rent to                                                                  notice of intent to exercise jurisdiction over child welfare to the
                                                 assessments of culturally
clients transitioning from acute care to                                                               federal government: Cowessess First Nation, Pasqua First Nation
                                                 supportive family resources
more permanent housing. The program,                                                                   and Muskeg Lake Cree Nation.
                                                 for children in care. This has
Next Steps Housing, provides support to
                                                 resulted in revisions to policy
help clients manage their mental health.
The Lighthouse provides support to help
                                                 and practice. For example,                            Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Supports
                                                 integrated practice and
clients live independently (e.g. helping                                                               Incidents of interpersonal violence and abuse cannot be treated in
                                                 flexible response approaches
clients find a place to rent and learn meal                                                            isolation of the root causes. The root causes of violence are vast
                                                 work together to promote the
planning).                                                                                             and complex and can include: community attitudes and beliefs,
                                                 safety of children through
                                                                                                       early and repeated exposure to violence, gender inequality,
                                                 engagement and collaboration
                                                                                                       intergenerational trauma, poverty, financial stress, social
                                                 with families and the
                                                                                                       exclusion, and substance abuse.
As of February 1, 2021, Saskatchewan             community. The integrated
                                                                                                       And while services may be            All agencies funded by the government
discontinued the practice known as birth         practice model promotes a
                                                                                                       available in a given community,      to deliver interpersonal violence and
or maternity alerts. The ministries of           strengths-based, culturally
                                                                                                       for confidentiality reasons          abuse services have access to Indigenous
Social Services and Health, along with           informed child protection
                                                                                                       many victims are inclined to         language services through Cantalk
the Saskatchewan Health Authority and            approach that encourages
                                                                                                       seek services outside their          including the Plains Cree, Swampy Cree,
other partners, aim to ensure supports           group decision making,
                                                                                                       community.                           Woodland Cree, Dakota, Dené, Michif, and
and services are available to expectant          family-centred practice, early
                                                 intervention and supports                             In understanding these               Saulteaux languages.
mothers.
                                                 for families, children, and                           complexities, and through
The decision to discontinue birth alerts         caregivers through all stages                         the work led by the
aligns with recommendations from the             of the child welfare system.                          Interministerial Committee on Interpersonal Violence and Abuse,
National Inquiry and recognizes concerns         The flexible response approach                        the Government of Saskatchewan has launched a multi-year
raised by various Indigenous partners            in Saskatchewan is informed                           Public Awareness Campaign: Face the Issue. The initial phase
and community stakeholders across                by the guiding principles                             of the media campaign focuses on women and is designed to
Saskatchewan about this practice.                of the Touchstones of Hope                            spark conversations and engage the community in preventing
                                                 Reconciliation Movement.                              interpersonal violence and abuse, as well as increasing awareness
                                                                                                       of services available for victims. The overall purpose of starting
                                                 In efforts to prevent children
                                                                                                       these conversations is to change deep seated attitudes and
The government also contracts with First         from entering the child
                                                                                                       beliefs that contribute to the
Nations agencies to deliver the Family           welfare system, a five-year
                                                                                                       normalization of violence            The Kids Help Phone (KHP) is provided
Finders Program across the province.             Social Impact Bond was
                                                                                                       within Saskatchewan                  by the Ministry of Education to help
The Family Finders program focuses               initiated in 2014 to support the
                                                                                                       communities. The government          students who may be experiencing mental
on identifying and engaging culturally           Saskatoon Downtown Youth
                                                                                                       has worked with cultural             health challenges, including those that
appropriate family first placement               Centre (Egadz) Sweet Dreams
                                                                                                       advisors and translators to          are a result of interpersonal violence and
resources on a child’s home reserve. When        program. This was the first
                                                                                                       translate these ads into Cree        abuse. KHP’s professional counselling
placement is not an option, the program          social impact bond in Canada
                                                                                                       and Dene.                            services are available 365 days a year,
seeks out significant cultural connections       and has received the Governor
                                                 General’s Award for Innovation.                       Additionally, the government         24 hours a day via phone, chat and text.
for First Nations children in care of the                                                                                                   Their Resources Around Me database
government off-reserve. Family Finders           Social impact bonds are a                             has partnered with 211
                                                 pay-for-performance contract                          Saskatchewan to enhance              provides children and youth with the
are responsible for family searches and                                                                                                     opportunity to search for resources in the
                                                 in which the government                               its 24/7 call, text, chat, and
assessment of caregivers.                                                                                                                   local community, including counsellor and
                                                 commits to pay investors for                          web access to information
                                                 improved client outcomes.                             and resources related to             mental health supports.
                                                 Since it opened, the program                          interpersonal violence and
With the proclamation of An Act                  has served 36 women and their                         abuse. Through 211, citizens are
respecting First Nations, Inuit and              children. As of August 2019,                          able to reach out and get connected with a variety of resources
Métis children, youth and families, early        54 of the 55 children involved                        and supports. 211 Saskatchewan services are available in a
identification of Indigenous status has been     in Sweet Dreams remained out                          number of Indigenous languages including Cree and Dene
prioritized. Additional resources have been      of the child welfare system                           (www.facetheissue.ca).
dedicated to support reconciling children’s      and were safely with their                            The Government of Saskatchewan also invests significant
eligibility for Indigenous status.               families—more than twice the                          resources to reduce and prevent interpersonal violence and abuse
                                                 program’s initial target.                             through legislation, protocols, policies, programs and services.

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This includes Indigenous                            In 2019, Saskatchewan became
  Indigenous Resource Officers (IRO) in          Family Violence Programs                            the first province to use a                           Currently, The Saskatchewan
  crisis response victim services agencies       (IVF) funded by the Ministry                        government-funded approach                            Employment Act provides five employer
  assist Indigenous victims of crime and their   of Justice and Attorney                             to pilot the Victim Advocate                          paid days leave and five unpaid days for
  families. IROs also assist police agencies     General. IVF programs provide                       Case Review. This is an                               employees who are, or whose family
  with the development and operation of          comprehensive and holistic                          oversight model through which                         member is, the victim of interpersonal
  crime prevention initiatives for Indigenous    support and education to                            advocates for survivors of                            and sexual violence. This is the first paid
  youth, and with liaising with Indigenous       urban Indigenous families                           sexual violence from provincial                       leave in the Act. Additionally, workers’
  communities and organizations.                 dealing with, or at risk for,                       and local organizations are                           compensation coverage is available for
                                                 interpersonal violence and                          given full access to police                           those employees where the crime or injury
                                                 abuse.                                              sexual assault files to look for                      is work-related. “
Additionally, Missing Persons Liaison positions within crisis                                        signs of bias and opportunities
response victim services agencies exist to provide specialized                                       for investigative improvements.
victim services that respond to the unique needs of families of                                      This project helps improve
                                                                                                     police responses to sexual                            The Status of Women Office has invested
missing persons. They also provide training, case consultations,                                                                                           in Aboriginal Friendship Centres of
workshops and training materials to other professionals who                                          violence. In 2021, the Ministry
                                                                                                     of Justice and Attorney General                       Saskatchewan’s Honouring Her Spark
                                             work with families of missing                                                                                 project, a three-year community-led
                                             persons, including all Police-                          committed to the expansion of
  In 2020 the Government of Saskatchewan                                                             Victim Advocate Case Reviews.                         initiative where Indigenous women work
                                             based Victim Services Programs                                                                                with business, industry, educators and
  introduced The Protection from Human
                                             in Saskatchewan. Their role                                                                                   community organizations to improve
  Trafficking Act which will enable victims
                                             as liaisons can also facilitate                         Education
  to obtain expedited protection orders,                                                                                                                   the economic landscape and increase
                                             more trusting relationships                             and Training Supports
  allow for the enforcement of those orders,                                                                                                               economic opportunities for Indigenous
                                             between police, victims, and
  and provide civil remedies including the                                                           Inspiring Success: The First                          women in Saskatchewan. This project
                                             the community. The ministry
  seizure of property, bank accounts and the                                                         Nations and Métis PreK-12                             provides access to cultural and traditional
                                             has requested a five-year
  suspension of driver’s licenses.                                                                   Education Policy Framework                            knowledge, healing and learning.
                                             continuation of federal funding
                                             for this initiative.                                    is the overarching policy
                                                                                                     that guides all Ministry of
The Government of Saskatchewan also supports a provincial                                            Education actions related to First Nations and Métis education.
agency to provide specialized missing persons supports such                                          Saskatchewan’s vision is to have a provincial Pre-kindergarten
as information and education sessions, training materials,                                           to Grade 12 (PreK-12) education system that places Indigenous
workshops, and consultations to counselors and human services                                        knowledge systems, cultures and languages within the structures,
organizations to develop their capacity to work with those                                           policies and curricula to ensure an equitable and inclusive system
                                              impacted by trauma and loss                            that benefits all learners. A website also provides supports to
                                              of a loved one. The agency                             education systems as they plan and implement actions under the
   Saskatchewan’s Action Plan to
                                              provides this training to First                        umbrella of Inspiring Success.
   Address Bullying and Cyberbullying
                                              Nations upon request and
   has been Saskatchewan’s road map in                                                               As part of the Saskatchewan’s Action Plan to Address Bullying
                                              involves Elders in these training
   bullying prevention. More than 1,000                                                              and Cyber Bullying, the Ministry of Education and SaskTel
                                              sessions. The agency also offers
   students, teachers, parents, guardians     specialized counselling, support                       (Crown Corporation of Communications Technology) partner
   and community members throughout           groups and other services to                           on the Be Kind Online initiative to prevent bullying and cyber-
   Saskatchewan contributed to the plan by    families of missing Indigenous                         bullying by providing access to grants and reliable resources, and
   sharing their thoughts about the effects   women and girls and other                              promoting digital citizenship. This includes resources to support
   of bullying. As implementation of the plan missing persons.                                       gender and sexual diversity. Respect in School online training
   continues, supports for mental health and                                                         is available for staff and volunteers in school divisions, First
   student/school safety have emerged as      In 2019 the Government of                              Nations schools and independent schools in Saskatchewan. This
   additional priorities.                     Saskatchewan and partner                               is in addition to offering funding to all school divisions for more
                                              organizations released an                              focused training for their staff related to school safety, mental
                                              update to a co-developed                               health or suicide prevention.
Child Abuse Protocol (CAP). The Ministry of Education has also
collaborated with education sector stakeholders and developed                                        The Government of Saskatchewan provides resources for
a Child Abuse Prevention, Education and Response policy                                              educational training and employment opportunities and is
statement, administrative procedures for school divisions and                                        investing in Indigenous post-secondary institutions and programs
in 2020, an online information portal in both official languages.                                    throughout the province. Saskatchewan’s public post-secondary
Together these supplementary resources to the CAP address:                                           sector supports Indigenous students, including women, girls, and
• reporting child abuse;                                                                             2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Targeted funding for Indigenous student
• child abuse prevention education; and,                                                            success initiatives and Indigenous teacher education programs are
• responding to child abuse and neglect.                                                             made available to specific institutions throughout the province.
                                                                                                     This funding also supports programs to assist students who face
In efforts to reform laws around sexualized violence and intimate                                    barriers to school completion and promote Indigenous teacher
partner violence, the Government of Saskatchewan enacted the                                         representation in schools across Saskatchewan. Additionally,
Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol (Clare’s Law) in 2018.                                    programs for education and training are provided to enhance
This legislation allows the police service to disclose information                                   opportunities for continued growth and Indigenous participation
about an individual’s violent or abusive past to intimate partners                                   in the economy. The Government of Saskatchewan strives to
who may be at risk. Additionally, amendments to The Residential                                      build economic reconciliation and works in partnership with
Tenancies Act allow for a victim of interpersonal violence to                                        Indigenous people and communities to increase economic
terminate a fixed term tenancy rental agreement without financial                                    stability and security of women and families which contributes to
burden.                                                                                              greater security.
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Programs related to Education and Training                                                      JUSTICE
 Program                Description                                                                   Government is committed to taking a holistic approach to
 Aboriginal             Through the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade
                                                                                                      support Indigenous victims and families and friends of missing
 Apprenticeship         Certification Commission, this initiative aims to increase                    and murdered Indigenous peoples. To this end, Saskatchewan
 Initiative             awareness of apprenticeship training and understanding                        supports the Saskatchewan Missing Persons Partnership. The
                        of the trades as a career option. The initiative supports                     Partnership works to prevent people from going missing;
                        Indigenous peoples who explore careers in the skilled                         coordinates policies to enhance the response when people do go
                        trades through projects such as apprenticeship courses on
                        or near First Nations communities, mentoring and other                        missing; advises on legislation; and collaborates with agencies
                        career exploration activities.                                                that provide services for families of missing Indigenous and
 Essential Skills       The Ministry of Immigration and Career Training funds the
                                                                                                      non-Indigenous persons. The Saskatchewan Missing Persons
 Program                delivery of essential skills programs through the provincial                  Partnership has met with families of missing persons on various
                        post-secondary system to help prepare Indigenous workers                      occasions and has organized Missing Persons Week annually
                        for a range of occupations. The knowledge and skills                          since 2013. In 2020, the partnership launched a set of social media
                        gained in the program are important for those who wish                        channels.
                        to join the labour force, require further training or desire to
                        advance in a chosen career.                                                   Justice Canada provides funding for Family Information Liaison
 Supporting             The Ministry of Education has developed a website                             Units (FILU) across provinces and territories. The FILUs provide
 Reconciliation in      to support school staff to expand understanding of                            trauma-informed, culturally appropriate services and supports
 Schools                reconciliation, and the history and legacy of residential                     for families. The Saskatchewan FILU, which began operating in
                        schools. It contains tools and resources to support student
                        learning and teacher professional development. In 2020, a
                                                                                                      September 2017, helps families access information about their
                        new module was developed about Missing and Murdered                           missing or murdered family member from agencies such as social
                        Indigenous Women and Girls.                                                   services, coroners, prosecutions, and police. In January 2018,
 Deepening              The Ministry of Education has also expanded its information                   the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations was contracted
 The Discussion:        portal, Deepening The Discussion: Gender and Sexual                           to provide two Indigenous family liaison outreach workers who
 Gender and             Diversity Toolkit to include a new module developed                           directly engage families in their communities in collaboration
 Sexual Diversity       with Two-Spirit individuals. These online professional                        with the FILU. In March of 2021, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan was
 Toolkit                development module series support staff, students and
                        families who are gender and/or sexually diverse. A module
                                                                                                      contracted to provide one additional Métis family liaison outreach
                        specific to Two Spirit individuals is included in this resource.              worker. In fall 2019, Justice Canada announced an additional
                                                                                                      three years of funding for the Saskatchewan FILU.
 Supporting All         In alignment with a needs-based approach to supporting
 Learners Portal        learning, the Supporting All Learners portal provides                         The Saskatchewan FILU has assisted in organizing several
                        resources to assist all students in reaching their academic                   cultural-based events for families of missing and murdered
                        and personal potential.
                                                                                                      Indigenous women and girls:
The Ministry of Education collaborates with the Saskatchewan                                          • a moccasin-making project with Kawacatoose First Nation;
Teachers’ Federation to identify a wide range of resources                                            • a music-as-therapy event with Prince Albert Grand Council’s
(e.g., print, online, video) to support teachers and students in                                        Women’s Commission;
understanding issues related to MMIWG. Resources include:                                             • an art therapy project with Regina Treaty/Status Indian
• an online catalogue at the Emma Stewart Resource Centre (e.g.,                                        Services; and
   a graphic novel titled “If I Go Missing”);                                                         • land-based teachings and           In February 2013, the Saskatchewan
• Invisible Victims: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women;                                             gatherings in Lloydminster/        Association of Chiefs of Police (SACP) and
• Keetsahnak: Our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Sisters;                                              Onion Lake, Ochapowace,            the Saskatchewan Police Commission
• Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples in ‘Canada’: An                                               Buffalo Narrows and Yorkton.
                                                                                                                                           updated and implemented a
   Inclusionary Approach to Understanding Violence Against the
                                                                                                                                           comprehensive policy for municipal and
                                           Original People of Turtle Island;
                                                                                                      Restorative Justice                  First Nations police services regarding the
                                           • Highway of Tears: A True
   In 2018, amendments to The Missing                                                                                                      conduct of missing persons investigations.
                                           Story of Racism, Indifference                              Saskatchewan supports
   Persons and Presumption of Death                                                                                                        The policy addresses concerns the
                                           and the Pursuit of Justice                                 culturally appropriate justice
   Act provided more comprehensive search                                                                                                  Saskatchewan Missing Persons
                                           for Missing and Murdered                                   programs delivered by or in
   powers for law enforcement officers     Indigenous Women and Girls;                                                                     Partnership heard from families of missing
                                                                                                      partnership with communities.
   investigating missing persons cases. To and                                                                                             persons, community groups, police, other
                                                                                                      This includes a province-wide
   read the Act or a summary, please see   • Missing Nimama.                                                                               organizations and individuals. The RCMP
                                                                                                      restorative justice initiative
   https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/#/                                                            with 20 community-based              “F” Division has substantially adopted
   products/28874.                                                                                    agencies and four school-based       the Commission’s policy, which results in
                                                                                                      programs, most of which              a more consistent approach to missing
                                                                                                      are offered by Indigenous            persons files across the province.
                                                                                                      organizations. Community           SACP’s website contains a unique database
                                                                                                      justice and restorative            of long-term missing persons with
                                                                                                      justice programs support           statistics from 1935 – 2019.
                                                                                                      reconciliation by playing a
                                                                                                      key role in reducing the over-
                                                                                                      representation of marginalized, vulnerable people in the criminal
                                                                                                      justice system.

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Many community justice programs, which are cost-shared with                                           To enhance civilian oversight of policing in the province, the
the federal government, involve Elders and community members                                          Government of Saskatchewan introduced The Police (Serious
in activities such as helping victims and offenders, preventing and                                   Incident Response Team) Amendment Act, 2021. This change
reducing crime, resolving crime and conflict, and working with                                        implements a civilian-led independent Serious Incident Response
at-risk youth. A number of steps are being taken to increase the                                      Team (SIRT) to investigate all matters where a person has suffered
use of restorative justice practices in Saskatchewan. For example,                                    a sexual assault, domestic assault, serious injury, or death while
in 2018-19, training about how to engage victims and meet their                                       in the custody of the police or as a result of the actions of on- or
needs was offered to all mediators, caseworkers, and community                                        off-duty police officers. The proposed amendments ensure the
justice workers in programs funded by the Ministry of Justice                                         SIRT includes Indigenous observation and oversight by requiring
and Attorney General. The Victim Engagement Training Initiative                                       the appointment of a First Nations or Métis community liaison if
was funded primarily by Justice Canada. The principles of this                                        the victim is of First Nations or Métis ancestry. Appointed liaisons
training have been incorporated into the province’s ongoing                                           will perform functions such as coordinating with the victim
Victim Offender Mediation training.                                                                   and/or their family, and advising investigators on community
                                                                                                      interactions. In addition, SIRT is required to publicly report a
                                                                                                      summary of its investigations.
                                                  Corrections, Policing and
  The Ministry of Corrections, Policing           Public Safety                                       Some additional justice responses to the National Inquiry are
  and Public Safety employs a Director of                                                             highlighted in the chart below.
  First Nations and Métis Services who            The Government of
  is responsible for a number of relevant         Saskatchewan recognizes that                                             Other Justice Responses to
  activities such as overseeing a Cultural        there are concerns regarding                                          the National Inquiry into MMIWG
  Coordinator in each adult and youth             the level of policing on First
                                                                                                        Purpose                       Action
  correctional facility to ensure that clients    Nations and in northern
                                                  Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan is                         Increase Indigenous           Since January 2018, the Province has appointed five
  have access to Indigenous programming.                                                                representation in             judges who have self-declared as Indigenous to the
  Cultural programs made available to             working toward effective ways
                                                                                                        all Canadian courts           Provincial Court of Saskatchewan, three of whom are
                                                  to address these concerns. This                       and improve access            women.
  clients include, but are not limited, to:
                                                  includes the involvement of                           to meaningful and
  sweat lodge ceremonies, pipe ceremonies,                                                              culturally appropriate
                                                                                                                                      The Province supported the development of
                                                  local community consultative                                                        three domestic violence courts that provide early
  one-on-one Elder counselling, smudging,                                                               justice practices
                                                  groups, supporting Community                                                        intervention for offenders and support to victims.
  traditional feasts, tipi teachings, medicine
                                                  Safety Officers and Indigenous
  wheel teachings, traditional parenting,                                                               All governments to            Community Corrections has undertaken a review of
                                                  Resource Officers, supporting                         thoroughly evaluate           youth and adult pre-sentence report (PSR) policies to
  sharing circles, drumming, singing, drum        the File Hills First Nations                          the impacts of                ensure Gladue factors are addressed consistently and
  making and when possible, gathering             Police Service, considering                           Gladue principles             thoroughly. These new PSR policies were implemented
  traditional medicines.                          other potential self-                                 and consider Gladue           in January 2021.
                                                                                                        reports as a right and
  Within Saskatchewan correctional                administered police services,                                                       Public Prosecutions is committed to continually
                                                                                                        to resource them
                                                  and more strategic deployment                                                       improving prosecutors’ understanding of Indigenous
  facilities, Elders/Advisors and Chaplains                                                             appropriately
                                                                                                                                      circumstances and how those circumstances should
  are contracted by Corrections, Policing and     of current RCMP resources. The                                                      be factored into decisions mandated by the Criminal
  Public Safety to work with Indigenous           Province is actively engaging                                                       Code; ensuring prosecutions are conducted in a
  clients to address issues of grief and loss,    with our federal partners to                                                        trauma-informed way; and effectively addressing
                                                  secure the best policing model                                                      sexual assault myths that threaten to undermine
  loss of identity, self-care, parenting,                                                                                             victims’ experiences. Ongoing efforts include the
  healing and goal setting. Clients’ spiritual,   possible under the current                                                          creation and revision of Public Prosecutions’ Gladue
  emotional, mental, and physical health are      framework for the First Nations                                                     policy and ongoing improvements to prosecutor
  addressed holistically.                         Policing Program.                                                                   training.
                                             Annual funding is provided for                                                           Legal Aid partnered with the University of
                                             community consultative groups                                                            Saskatchewan’s History Department, with partial
                                                                                                                                      funding from the Saskatchewan Law Foundation, to
  In 2020, a new initiative began, bringing  and community police boards                                                              develop a Gladue Rights Research Database. This is the
                                             to create crime prevention and                                                           first open database of its kind in Canada. The database
  members of the Ministry of Justice and
                                             reduction strategies in First                                                            includes academically peer-reviewed information
  Attorney General, Elders Forum and the                                                                                              to assist Gladue writers, Legal Aid, defence counsel,
                                             Nations, Métis and non-status
  Indigenous Resource Officers together                                                                                               and prosecutors with providing Gladue-related
                                             Indigenous communities in                                                                information to the courts. Legal Aid, the Law Society of
  to develop resources and training
                                             Saskatchewan. Community                                                                  Saskatchewan, and the Ministry of Corrections, Policing
  components to help police-based victims’                                                                                            and Public Safety continue to support the database.
                                             Safety Officers or Peacekeepers
  services programs support victims of       are an alternative policing
  crime more effectively and to build better model to deliver community
  working relationships with Indigenous      safety services to First
  communities.                               Nations communities across
                                             Saskatchewan. To date, over 40
Community Safety Officers have been trained in this model.

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Commemoration Initiatives
Through the Ministry of Government Relations, the Government of Saskatchewan has funded a number of commemorative initiatives.
In 2017, Government Relations funded a collaboration between the Saskatoon Tribal Council and the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS)
that saw the creation of a statue honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which sits in front of the SPS building.
Government Relations also sponsored a partnership between the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Women’s Circle Corporation and the “F”
Division of the RCMP for the creation of the Place of Reflection. The Place of Reflection is a stone medicine wheel located at the RCMP
grounds, adjacent to the RCMP Heritage Center, that can be visited by anyone who has felt the impact of the issue of MMIWG or loss
through violence.
The Saskatchewan Missing Persons Partnership has also created a number of commemorations dedicated to missing persons in
Saskatchewan. For example, in 2014 the Saskatchewan Missing Persons Partnership dedicated an oak tree in Wascana Park, Regina to
all missing persons. As the chair of the partnership, the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General is providing a grant to the Provincial
Capital Commission to arrange for a bench to honor missing persons. When installed, the bench will be located near the missing
persons oak tree. The anticipated installation date is fall 2021.

Concluding Remarks
The root causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls are deep, complex and difficult. Colonization, residential schools and
other systems of oppression have had deeply damaging impacts on Indigenous peoples and Indigenous women and girls in particular.
At the same time, we must also acknowledge the resilience of Indigenous peoples and respect their leadership in reconciliation.
While the Government of Saskatchewan’s efforts to address issues raised by the National Inquiry have had many positive impacts, we
know there is still much to be done. These first efforts have created a strong foundation on which we can continue our work and close
these gaps.
The Government of Saskatchewan remains committed to working with Indigenous peoples and organizations across the province to
continuously improve our responses to these challenging issues. The government will also work in concert with Indigenous, municipal,
provincial, territorial and federal partners to keep the momentum going even during the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure Indigenous
peoples are safe and secure no matter where they live.

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