Building Connection: An Indigenous Engagement Summit for Saskatchewan Settlement Workers
In advance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation our staff attended “Building Connection: An Indigenous Engagement Summit for Saskatchewan Settlement Workers.” Our staff reflected on these two days and the impact that they had on them:
I attended the second day of the Summit. It was very educational, but more importantly, it set a tone of personal and collective responsibility in the journey for Reconciliation. Through the presentations from both Knowledge Keepers and other settlement organizations, I was reminded that Reconciliation is not a passive process, but an ongoing call to action for every Canadian to do their part to educate themselves, fight against individual as well as systemic racism, and to be humble.
Listening to the various speakers, I was reminded that before seeking to connect, one must seek first to understand. We are each responsible, as Treaty people, to acknowledge our part in the system that others Indigenous Peoples from their own lands. We must challenge ourselves to be better, whether that is attending Indigenous events, reading Indigenous books, donating to Indigenous causes, or simply saying something when we encounter anti-Indigenous beliefs and behavior.
This Summit was a moving reminder as we move towards National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. However, it was more than that. It was a call to action, to acknowledge our individual and collective complicity within the system when we do nothing. It was a challenge, to teach our clients about the history and present of Canada, even though it is difficult. It was an invitation, to not only seek Indigenous representation in our organizations, but to walk through those doorways and journey side-by-side.”
– Jayden
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, I had the honor of attending Building Connection, an Indigenous Engagement Summit for Saskatchewan Settlement Workers.
This program was not only about building connections, but also about learning the history of Indigenous, First Nation and Metis people. The Aboriginal people who have lived and grown in this country for many years.
These People had a strong relationship with nature and guided their lives based on its signs.
The most important part of this program for me was learning about the cultural similarities between different communities. It showed me how cultural connections have existed for a long time, without the limits of borders made by humans. These cultural similarities are what bring people together.
I am very pleased to participate in this program, and I would like to study and learn more about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
– Zabi
We began our meaningful day with a smudging ceremony led by Knowledge Keeper Lyndon J. Linklater, followed by a prayer from Kihtehayah Maria Linklater. This opening grounded us in Indigenous tradition and set the tone for a day of deep learning and reflection.
We then viewed a video titled “Ask a Knowledge Keeper”, featuring Lyndon J. Linklater, Maria Linklater, and Métis Knowledge Keeper Andre Letendre. The video explored how newcomers can respectfully learn about Indigenous peoples and cultures. This was followed by a group discussion, where participants engaged in thoughtful dialogue around themes such as unity, stereotypes, the history of colonization, and the critical importance of Indigenous perspectives across all fields.
The day continued with the interactive “Circle and a Box” workshop, which offered a profound visual and emotional journey through the impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities.
Together, these sessions offered an eye-opening look at the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, while also affirming the resilience of Indigenous cultures. We left the day with a renewed commitment to learning, listening, and honouring Indigenous voices in all aspects of our lives and work.
– Yuliia
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Indigenous Summit, and it was a really impactful day. It started with my very first Smudge ceremony and a group prayer, which created a calm and welcoming feeling. We then watched a video from a Knowledge Keeper and joined a panel discussion exploring how integration can happen while honoring the diversity within Indigenous communities. It set a thoughtful tone for everything that followed.
Throughout the day, I took part in workshops that helped me learn more about Indigenous cultures. The Circle and the Square workshop gave valuable insight into First Nations traditions. I also attended a session about Metis Myths and Misconceptions, which cleared up many common misunderstandings I had and helped me better appreciate Métis history and identity. These sessions made me realize how rich and diverse Indigenous culture truly is.
To wrap up, I joined an optional visit to the Linklater sweatlodge area. A Knowledge Keeper shared stories and explained how the sweatlodge ceremony works and why it’s such an important part of Indigenous life. It was a powerful experience that deepened my respect for these spiritual traditions. Overall, the Summit was a meaningful opportunity to listen, learn, and build a better understanding.
– Tarik
