Our Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

In 2022, we invested more than $350,000 to Indigenous-led programs, projects and initiatives.

As part of our commitment to embed the spirit and substance of meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in our policies and operations, 2022 initiated the start of Affinity’s three-year Truth & Reconciliation Roadmap. Discovery and engagement sessions guided by the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, an Elder, Knowledge Keeper, members of our Board, Affinity leaders and employees led to the creation of the roadmap and informed our three key areas of focus, including:

Increase knowledge

Create opportunities for learning and discovery of the history, truth and importance of reconciliation for our employees, members and communities.

Expand opportunities

Develop connections to expand employment, education and economic prosperity with Indigenous Peoples, communities and businesses.

Live our values

Foster an environment that’s inclusive, respectful and welcoming.

Some of the 2022 initiatives supporting the Truth & Reconciliation Roadmap included:

• Hiring a Community Advisor, Indigenous Engagement as a dedicated resource focused on forging new partnerships and supporting strategies to advance our reconciliation journey.

• Honouring and recognizing days of significance, such as February’s Indigenous Storytelling Month and September 30, National Day for Truth & Reconciliation.

• Creating Affinity’s Circle of Truth & Reconciliation online employee group, an organization-wide safe space for employees to have ongoing conversations and share resources related to their reconciliation journey.

• Providing schol arships and awards across the province through Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI), Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) and Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre (SIMFC).

• Partnering with Awasis Boutique, a local Indigenous business, to offer Every Child Matters orange shirts for employees, directors and member representatives.

• Developing Land & Treaty Acknowledgement guidelines and protocol to equip employees with the knowledge and understanding to create respectful, inclusive and authentic statements.

• Beginning to work with an Indigenous-owned and purpose driven agency to further embed and increase visibility of cultural images and Indigenous artwork in our locations and website.

• Investing over $350,000 in Indigenous-led programs, projects and initiatives, such as Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services Inc.’s Youth Employment Training Initiative, Buffalo People Arts Institute’s Rematriation Community Gathering & Ceremony, Central Urban Métis Federation Inc.’s Round Prairie Elders Lodge, and Touchwood Agency Tribal Council’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited People Family Healing Gathering.