Government of 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.

Government of Saskatchewan Response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 2 with police, other Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, Saskatchewan Engagement and provincial ministries. Additionally, the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General supports the annual Northern Justice with Indigenous Peoples 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 Ministry of Justice and Attorney General representing and The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes that violence Métis groups in communities and the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety to provide advice about against First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women, girls, and across Saskatchewan helps 2SLGBTQQIA+ people is a pressing priority that requires ministries ensure distinct justice-related policies, programs, and operations. The Elders Forum includes immediate and ongoing commitment to implement preventative Indigenous voices, perspectives actions as well as measures to promote safety and justice. The male and female Elders representing and ways of knowing are following initiatives are listed under each of the four primary all of the major cultural and linguistic incorporated into government themes of the National Inquiry: Culture, Health and Wellness, Indigenous groups in the province. work across sectors. 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 grants support Indigenous These relationships help form and wisdom regarding services and Multicultural Initiatives Fund supports organizations, events and and improve program, policy supports for families of MMIWG and projects that advance cross-cultural initiatives throughout the and legislative approaches. survivors of violence; the broad, systemic 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, Victoria Hospital. Plans for the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation is a queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) redeveloped hospital include the multi-media teaching unit divided into 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 Authority (SHA) hosted its inaugural and surrounding communities. to host and fund events, meeting of Knowledge Keepers, Elders conferences, and gatherings and Traditional Healers representing the to bring communities together Continuing Cultural Awareness Training nine linguistic groups in Saskatchewan. to honour the spirits of Across the Public Service The Traditional Knowledge Keeper MMIWG. For example, the The Government of Saskatchewan understands the importance Advisory Committee helps guide SHA’s Saskatchewan Missing Persons of ensuring the public service is aware of the unique place Executive Leadership on how to make Partnership has representation Indigenous peoples have in Saskatchewan. Knowing the history system changes that will ensure cultural from the Federation of 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

Government of Saskatchewan Response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 3 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, 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 to Health and Wellness • an inclusion toolkit developed by the Public Service 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. HEALTH AND WELLNESS projects related to issues raised The purpose of this Steering Committee by the National Inquiry. Special 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 vulnerabilities within society peoples. First Nations, Inuit, First Nations peoples, both on and off- The Ministry of Education, Ministry of that lead to risks for inter- Métis and 2SLGBTQQIA+ reserve. The last meeting of this Steering Health and the Saskatchewan Health personal violence. This will people’s health and wellness 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.

Government of Saskatchewan Response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 4 First Nations and Métis Community Partnership Projects Project Partners Purpose Beneficiaries Engaging Young Leaders Big Brothers Big Sisters of , 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 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 , 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 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, , 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 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 .

Government of Saskatchewan Response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 5 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 who are homeless. Partners include Housing And Shelters reunification, and victims of 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 partnerships with community Social Services, the Saskatoon Housing Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) partners with organizations to provide wrap- Authority, and other organizations that communities, ministries, and agencies to fill housing gaps. The around supports and services are part of the Saskatoon Inter-Agency Province also continues to partner with First Nations and Métis to clients with complex needs. Response to Safety and Well-Being. housing providers that deliver housing to Indigenous people in Partners include: Operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, Saskatchewan. • Yorkton Tribal Council; the Sawêyihtotân team integrated with 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 families and individuals who are temporarily homeless, as well need. The project team had interactions 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 meal delivery and help securing housing. Through the Shelter Enhancement Program, funding is available services, meal services, tenant The project pilot started in April 2020 and to enhance existing shelter facilities for at risk women and victims service provided on a fee-for- has been extended to March 31, 2022. of family violence by improving security, safety, accessibility, service basis, and witness energy efficiency, and comfort. protection. Additionally, the Rental Development Program provides funding to Indigenous and non-Indigenous community organizations Government of Saskatchewan Response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 6 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 The Ministry of Social Services Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) new legislation aims to reduce the number of Indigenous children has engaged in enhanced and The Lighthouse Supported Living 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: , supportive family resources more permanent housing. The program, and . for children in care. This has Next Steps Housing, provides support to resulted in revisions to policy help clients manage their mental health. and practice. For example, Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Supports The Lighthouse provides support to help integrated practice and Incidents of interpersonal violence and abuse cannot be treated in clients live independently (e.g. helping flexible response approaches isolation of the root causes. The root causes of violence are vast clients find a place to rent and learn meal work together to promote the and complex and can include: community attitudes and beliefs, planning). 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. community. The integrated As of February 1, 2021, Saskatchewan And while services may be practice model promotes a All agencies funded by the government discontinued the practice known as birth available in a given community, strengths-based, culturally to deliver interpersonal violence and or maternity alerts. The ministries of for confidentiality reasons informed child protection abuse services have access to Indigenous Social Services and Health, along with many victims are inclined to approach that encourages language services through Cantalk the Saskatchewan Health Authority and seek services outside their group decision making, including the Plains Cree, , other partners, aim to ensure supports community. , Dakota, Dené, Michif, and and services are available to expectant family-centred practice, early intervention and supports In understanding these 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 Social Impact Bond was Finders Program across the province. within Saskatchewan by the Ministry of Education to help initiated in 2014 to support the The Family Finders program focuses communities. The government students who may be experiencing mental Saskatoon Downtown Youth on identifying and engaging culturally has worked with cultural health challenges, including those that Centre (Egadz) Sweet Dreams appropriate family first placement advisors and translators to program. This was the first are a result of interpersonal violence and resources on a child’s home reserve. When translate these ads into Cree social impact bond in Canada abuse. KHP’s professional counselling placement is not an option, the program and Dene. and has received the Governor services are available 365 days a year, seeks out significant cultural connections 24 hours a day via phone, chat and text. for First Nations children in care of the General’s Award for Innovation. Additionally, the government Social impact bonds are a has partnered with 211 Their Resources Around Me database government off-reserve. Family Finders provides children and youth with the are responsible for family searches and pay-for-performance contract Saskatchewan to enhance in which the government its 24/7 call, text, chat, and opportunity to search for resources in the assessment of caregivers. commits to pay investors for web access to information local community, including counsellor and 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.

Government of Saskatchewan Response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 7 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 initiative where Indigenous women work based Victim Services Programs Victim Advocate Case Reviews. introduced The Protection from Human with business, industry, educators and in Saskatchewan. Their role Trafficking Act which will enable victims community organizations to improve as liaisons can also facilitate to obtain expedited protection orders, Education the economic landscape and increase more trusting relationships and Training Supports economic opportunities for Indigenous allow for the enforcement of those orders, between police, victims, and women in Saskatchewan. This project and provide civil remedies including the the community. The ministry Inspiring Success: The First provides access to cultural and traditional seizure of property, bank accounts and the has requested a five-year Nations and Métis PreK-12 knowledge, healing and learning. suspension of driver’s licenses. continuation of federal funding Education Policy Framework 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 Saskatchewan’s Action Plan to education systems as they plan and implement actions under the provides this training to First Address Bullying and Cyberbullying umbrella of Inspiring Success. Nations upon request and has been Saskatchewan’s road map in involves Elders in these training As part of the Saskatchewan’s Action Plan to Address Bullying bullying prevention. More than 1,000 sessions. The agency also offers and Cyber Bullying, the Ministry of Education and SaskTel 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.

Government of Saskatchewan Response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 8 Programs related to Education and Training JUSTICE Program Description Government is committed to taking a holistic approach to support Indigenous victims and families and friends of missing Aboriginal Through the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade 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 non-Indigenous persons. The Saskatchewan Missing Persons Essential Skills The Ministry of Immigration and Career Training funds the 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; First Nations police services regarding the • Highway of Tears: A True Restorative Justice 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 Partnership heard from families of missing Indigenous Women and Girls; partnership with communities. investigating missing persons cases. To persons, community groups, police, other and This includes a province-wide read the Act or a summary, please see • Missing Nimama. restorative justice initiative organizations and individuals. The RCMP 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.

Government of Saskatchewan Response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 9 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 the level of policing on First Coordinator in each adult and youth Purpose Action correctional facility to ensure that clients Nations and in northern Increase Indigenous Since January 2018, the Province has appointed five have access to Indigenous programming. Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan is working toward effective ways representation in judges who have self-declared as Indigenous to the Cultural programs made available to all Canadian courts Provincial Court of Saskatchewan, three of whom are to address these concerns. This clients include, but are not limited, to: and improve access women . includes the involvement of to meaningful and sweat lodge ceremonies, pipe ceremonies, The Province supported the development of local community consultative culturally appropriate one-on-one Elder counselling, smudging, three domestic violence courts that provide early groups, supporting Community justice practices traditional feasts, tipi teachings, medicine intervention for offenders and support to victims . Safety Officers and Indigenous wheel teachings, traditional parenting, All governments to Community Corrections has undertaken a review of Resource Officers, supporting sharing circles, drumming, singing, drum thoroughly evaluate youth and adult pre-sentence report (PSR) policies to 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 Public Prosecutions is committed to continually Within Saskatchewan correctional administered police services, to resource them improving prosecutors’ understanding of Indigenous facilities, Elders/Advisors and Chaplains and more strategic deployment 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 members of the Ministry of Justice and first open database of its kind in Canada . The database reduction strategies in First includes academically peer-reviewed information Attorney General, Elders Forum and the Nations, Métis and non-status to assist Gladue writers, Legal Aid, defence counsel, Indigenous Resource Officers together and prosecutors with providing Gladue-related Indigenous communities in to develop resources and training information to the courts . Legal Aid, the Law Society of Saskatchewan. Community components to help police-based victims’ Saskatchewan, and the Ministry of Corrections, Policing Safety Officers or Peacekeepers and Public Safety continue to support the database . 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.

Government of Saskatchewan Response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 10 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.

Government of Saskatchewan Response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls 11 saskatchewan.ca