Previous events show people ‘are interested in learning more’ says Arts and Culture manager
Emokhare Paul Anthony, Daily Herald
After seeing successful anti-racism and reconciliation public events in 2022 and 2023, the City of Prince Albert and their partners will be hosting two similar events in February and March.
The City made a formal announcement on Friday. In a press release, the City of Prince Albert said it “is committed to advancing reconciliation in our community. In 2025, the City will host two free public events focused on Reconciliation and Anti-Racism, inviting residents to engage in meaningful discussions and learning opportunities.”
City of Prince Albert Arts and Culture Division Manager Judy MacLeod Campbell said there was good feedback about events held in 2022 and 2023 with former Cowessess First Nation Chief Cadmus Delorme. She said those sessions helped lay the foundation for the community’s journey on the Road to Reconciliation, and inspired them to host similar events in 2025.
“We had Cadmus in ’22 and again in ’23. He’s such a lovely man and has a great way of presenting the truth in a respectful and non-blaming way,” she said “We filled the place both times—600 people at both opportunities—so people are interested in learning more and, I think, doing better.”
The City will hold two events. The first is a one-night-only storytelling session with Becky Sasakamoose-Kuffner and Lorie Harrison on March 19. The second is three-day learning series presented by the Saskatoon Anti-Racism Network and the Heart-Song Complex Trauma Program with sessions on Feb. 26, March 5, and march 19.
“One of the most meaningful ways we can support reconciliation is through education,” City of Prince Albert Corporate Services Director Kiley Bear said in a press release. “These sessions provide an opportunity for residents to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous history and the ongoing impacts of colonialism, fostering a more inclusive and informed community.”
“By engaging in these important conversations, residents can build intercultural understanding and strengthen relationships, learning about Indigenous history, racism, and human rights helps us move forward together toward our road to reconciliation.” added Campbell.
“This is core to our city’s culture plan a city with a strong and proud culture, where we all feel we belong.”
MacLeod Campbell said the goal of the three day event is to provide something more in depth for those who are interested.
“For those who are ready and interested in learning more, that three-day is a real deep dive,” she said.
MacLeod Campbell said the City has a new truth and reconciliation committee internally and they were looking at different things they could do as an organization to enhance staff learning about truth and reconciliation. With that in mind, the City has also planned a half-day of internal training.
MacLeod Campbell and Bear both heard Sasakamoose-Kuffner speak recently and really liked her approach, knowledge, and experience. That led to an invitation to speak in Prince Albert.
“Becky’s been doing this work for many, many years, and has worked with the City of Saskatoon in the past as well.”
MacLeod Campbell added that Sasakamoose-Kuffner’s father is from Prince Albert, so there is a local connection too.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action is educating public servants about Indigenous history, including the legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Indigenous rights, Indigenous law, and Indigenous-Crown relations.
–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald
