In the spirit of respect and truth, we acknowledge the Communities and Nations in whose territories we live and work in: Treaty 4 territory; the traditional territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Cree, Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda, and the homeland of the Métis/Michif Nation. While SASS is located on Treaty 4 territory, we reaffirm our commitment to serve all the Saskatchewan Treaty Territories including Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10.
It is critical that our work takes into account the colonialist histories and the cultures of perpetration that have been created as a result. Canada’s long-standing record of systemic, gendered, racialized, ableist, and exclusionary settler-colonial violence continues to impact people’s lives today, particularly for Indigenous women and girls who are disproportionately represented as victims of gendered violence.
Similar structures of violence are replicated with targeted impacts affecting other marginalized groups including newcomers, those living with disabilities and members of the queer community, to name a few.
SASS recognizes and honours the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples on this land, their histories, cultures, and contributions to our community. We are committed to learning from and supporting the Indigenous peoples who have been the stewards of this land for generations and continue to care for it today. As treaty people, we work towards systemic change that is centred in decolonizing principles, reconciliation and mutual respect.
We commit to work with Indigenous communities and governments in advancing the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. We support Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination over child and family services and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.