Contribution (2024-2027)
$450,000
Sîhtoskâtowin, previously the Saskatchewan Funders Collaborative, is an Indigenous-led support program for communities in rural and remote areas of Saskatchewan. From 2021 to 2024 the program provided over $735,000 in funding to Indigenous-led initiatives. It creates meaningful relationships with groups who are driving change directly in community.
The program leads with a twin notion. The first involves increasing philanthropic activity. Second, the program aims to reach communities struggling to launch projects that create positive impact for Indigenous populations. “One recent example is the Onion Lake First Nation. They never had a community garden. But through partnership with the Program and with a few members who were motivated to lead the project, a community garden was planted to supply fresh vegetables and fruits,” says Taylar Belanger, Sîhtoskâtowin Program Specialist.
Sîhtoskâtowin also partnered with the Onion Lake Health Centre to share nutrition sessions with members who participated in growing their own food.
“The team shared the results and impact of their work and look forward to the next growing season,” says Belanger. Sîhtoskâtowin continues to receive a high volume of interest and is growing familiar with many Indigenous communities.
Concludes Belanger: “The Sîhtoskâtowin program continues to dedicate time and energy into building a sustainable program that Indigenous communities can rely on. We strive for the program to embody Indigenous core values, ways of being and doing. We hope the program can be a primary resource for Indigenous communities leading positive change that leaves a lasting impact.”
Thank you to Sîhtoskâtowin for the images used on this page and other pages in this report.