Community Dialogues

In Reflections on Cultural Policy: A Summary of Survey Results, respondents expressed a strong desire for opportunities to continue participating in the formation of a sector development plan.  There were calls for a more targeted, community-based approach to the second round of dialogue.  The government acted on this input by holding the Community Dialogue throughout the province in February and March 2009.

The purpose of the Community Dialogue was to affirm the draft cultural policy and gather input on action items to move the strategy closer to implementation.  The Dialogue was community-led and more focused. 

The Community Dialogue began with a pipe ceremony at the Saskatchewan Legislature and included 14 face-to-face meetings in communities arcross the province.  They were held in Yorkton, Stoughton, Swift Current, Humboldt, La Ronge, Prince Albert, North Battleford, three in Regina, two in Saskatoon and two sessions exclusively with First Nations and Métis people and organizations.  In addition, a web-based virtual dialogue was created to ensure that anyone who wanted to participate had the opportunity.  These discussions were delivered in cooperation with the Sport, Culture and Recreation Districts, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Metis Nation - Saskatchewan, SaskCulture and the Saskatchewan Arts Board. 

The findings of the Community Dialogue can be found in Moving from Reflection to Action: towards a Cultural Policy for Saskatchewan.