Nearly 500 people gathered in Saskatoon this week for a conference aiming to support organizations in incorporating Aboriginal values in their programs and services.
Stakeholders from all sectors of business are in attendance at the second annual Wicihitowin Aboriginal Engagement Conference Conference. They are there learning how to better engage the Aboriginal community in their business or organization.
“In our second year we’re focusing on learning and resources for non-Aboriginal organizations to improve engagement and inclusion of Aboriginal peoples, whether it be as an employee, volunteer or a board role,” said Gille Dorval, Director of Aboriginal Relations for the City of Saskatoon.
According to Dorval the conference is about responding to calls to action from the Truth Reconciliation Commission.
“What we are trying to do is mobilize the community and it starts with each individual,” he said. “We would like to see people take that individual step to responding to the TRC Calls to Action.”
The conference will address themes like education, language and culture, health and media.
Keynote speakers include Dr. Marie Wilson, former Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Whitecap Dakota Chief Darcy Bear along with several breakout sessions.
The Wicihitowin (“Walking Together”) conference is presented in partnership with the United Way of Saskatoon, Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Health Region and the City of Saskatoon.
The two day conference runs Wednesday and Thursday at TCU place in Saskatoon.