Over the last several years, the Sai Centre of Saskatoon have forged a relationship with the local First Nation Community through Walk for Values events and a Multi Faith Group. In addition, the Sai Centre has provided Dynamic Parenting Workshops and served at the Pleasant Hill School.

This past summer, to continue to foster the partnership the Indigenous Community invited the Sai Centre to participate in the “Walk for Reconciliation”. This was a celebration of the Indigenous Peoples Day.  Organized by the city of Saskatoon and supported by the Office of Treaty Commissioner, the event was celebrated in a grand scale with over 400 participants from various community partners.  First Nations Dancers from the Open Door society graced and initiated the event. Several speakers from the society enlightened the participants on the historical significance of the event and the need to continue to support and contribute towards the reconciliation efforts. In addition, the office of Treaty Commissioner erected a TIPI for the event.

Seven members from the Sai Center of Saskatoon participated by carrying the “Walk For Values” banner as well as Human Values placards, which fitted well within the “Reconciliation Theme”. It was a great honor for us to be a part of the Celebration.

The following are comments from the Sai Devotees who attended the walk.

This is one of the major activities conducted in the City of Saskatoon.  Each one of us felt much honored to be a part of the Walk as it was part of the centre’s Outreach Program.  Many of us have lived in Canada for more than 25 years but we are yet to learn the Beliefs and Practices of the First Nations.  This gave us an opportunity to interact with them and celebrate their victory and recognize them for their achievements!  We still have a long way to go but very happy that we have started our journey with them.  This is actually the second year of our involvement.  Last year there were only  two devotees who participated. 

The Rock the Roots Walk is an annual Event. We plan to participate each year and work towards finding opportunities to link our Walk For Values Event to Help in the Reconciliation Efforts of the Saskatoon Community.