Sask. gov’t working to improve relationship with Indigenous people

The Scott Moe government has shared its progress at making Saskatchewan more inclusive to Indigenous peoples.

The province has highlighted what has been done in the two years since the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls came out.

Work has been done in areas including health, justice and culture in collaboration with the Indigenous community.

“Saskatchewan will continue to work with our federal, provincial and Indigenous partners to take action against gendered violence, foster healing for victims and survivors, and bring safety and justice to our communities,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said in a news release.

Various grants and funds — such as the Aboriginal Arts and Culture Leadership Grant and the Metis Cultural Development Fund — are available to help preserve and strengthen Indigenous culture.

In January, funding was increased for the First Nations and Metis Community Partnership Program to $400,000. The program is described as supporting locally developed projects and events.

The Prince Albert Victoria Hospital has spaces that now reflect Indigenous culture. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is expanding access to traditional medicine supports from Regina to other areas of the province.

Indigenous resource officers respond and help Indigenous families during a crisis.

The Elders Forum works with various ministries on justice-related policies, like northern and First Nation policing, the Saskatchewan Coroners Service and provincial court jury selection.

A cultural co-ordinator is in place in each correctional facility to ensure there’s Indigenous programming offered.

The province also said since January 2018, five judges who identify as Indigenous have been appointed.

The government said these policies were developed to create meaningful and lasting change.