STS Outreach, Fall 2024

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Conversations for Understanding PAGE 2

Disinformation in Elections PAGE 11

 Rene Goertzen

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Engaging in the Democratic Process

Message from the President WRITTEN BY: SUE AMUNDRUD

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HOPE YOU HAVE all enjoyed your summer and are ready for a (hopefully) beautiful Saskatchewan fall. As your new President, I am looking forward to working with the team you elected at our AGM last May as the STS continues to grow in both membership and activity. I also hope to meet more of you throughout the year – please contact me to arrange for a visit with your Chapter. You do not have to be a large Chapter to request that I attend one of your meetings – I will be happy to come if we can arrange a mutually agreeable date and time.

A key event this fall will be the provincial election which must be held by October 28, 2024. You may be involved in working this election in some capacity, as retired teachers are often in high demand. Whether or not you are working, please learn about the various issues and be sure you vote. Our organization has produced and will

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ISSN 2817-1721 (Print)

For any changes to your address

ISSN 2817-173X (Digital)

and/or Group Benefits coverage,

All articles in Outreach represent the information and opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the STS. Reminders STS Group Benefit Plan holders who are eligible for the

please contact the STS Office directly at 306-373-3879 or email sts@sts.sk.ca.

Have a story idea or a topic you would like us to include? We’d love to hear from you. Reach us at sts@sts.sk.ca.

Saskatchewan Seniors’ Drug Plan

Content Curator

may be eligible for a reduced

Kevin Schmidt

premium by providing the STS Office with a copy of the Seniors’ Drug Plan confirmation letter. For information on the Saskatchewan with your pharmacist or contact 1-800-667-7581. If you live in Regina please call 306-787-3317.

The STS does not support any particular political party, but paying attention to issues and making an educated decision about where to place your vote is truly the responsibility of all citizens in a democratic society. I encourage you to exercise your right to vote.●

Member Photographs

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Conversations for Understanding

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Advocacy, Politics and Partisanship

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Public Education

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Healthy Aging in Place

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Income Security and Affordability

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Disinformation in Elections

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Working for an Election

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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 13

Seniors’ Drug Plan, please speak the Seniors’ Drug Plan office at

be mailing out to you, a pamphlet identifying some key issues important to superannuates. In addition, information regarding these issues is printed in this Outreach issue, and is available on our website at www.sts.sk.ca. If any of these issues resonate with you, then please be sure to ask your local candidates (and/or their representatives) questions to determine if that person and party is who you want to support.

In this Issue

As you read this, most of our STS Chapters will have already held their “beginning of the school year” meeting – “Lunch with the Bunch”, “To Hell with the Bell” or some other variation. It is an opportunity to meet new retirees, to renew connections with former colleagues, and to make plans for the 202425 academic year. I hope your year is off to a great start!

www.sts.sk.ca

International Day of Older Persons

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2024 AGM Highlights

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Events

Back Cover

fall 2024 • Volume 48 Member Photographs

Member Photographs

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ELOW IS A selection of photos by members of the STS. Do you have a photograph, idea or a topic you would like us to include? We’d love to hear from you. You can reach us at sts@sts.sk.ca.

 Lori McNaughton

 Beverly Magel

 Angela Dogniez

 Margaret Symon Lungal

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 Cynthia Ramler

 Lorraine Brokop

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Relationships

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Conversations for Understanding WRITTEN BY: DAVE DERKSEN

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I’ve Got an Opinion but I Don’t Want to Argue … What’s the Alternative?

When someone raises a highly charged issue from the news - maybe the carbon tax, education funding, gender identity, or some other hot button political topic - how do you react?

Lately when I experience this, I feel a dilemma. I have the urge to just nod and agree with what’s being said. But another part of me wants to make counter points, to debate. I feel caught between two unappealing choices: “go along to get along” or get into an angry argument.

There is a third option: Conversations for Understanding in which we consider other perspectives and (maybe) find common ground.

When I acknowledge that it’s alright for my thinking to develop, I can participate in a constructive exchange of ideas and grow in understanding.

OBJECTIVITY ABOUT BELIEFS – A TEST OF MATURITY Conversations for Understanding are possible when we remain open to evolving our beliefs through objective analysis. I feel somewhat threatened when confronted by new information and perspectives that challenge my opinions and I may argue to defend the position with which I identify.

My opinions and beliefs have developed from a lifetime of experiences and influences and provide me with valuable insights. And yet they come with biases and blind spots. When I acknowledge that Outreach

it’s alright for my thinking to develop, and I can participate in a constructive exchange of ideas and grow in understanding.

The desire for more learning opens up when I recognize the limitations of my insights.

Beena Sharma says “We get our assumptions challenged over and over, time and again. Newer and newer understandings of reality emerge if we are open to that learning.” Maturity is when we come closer and closer to what is, rather than what we had thought or assumed.

Try it ASK YOURSELF • Where do my opinions and beliefs come from?

• What blind spots or biases prevent me from understanding other perspectives?

(We all have them!)

4 ESSENTIAL STRATEGIES Next time an issue comes up on coffee row or at a family gathering, try one or more of these four strategies if you want to open a Conversation for Understanding.

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MAINTAIN A LEARNING MINDSET – LISTEN AND ASK QUESTIONS With a learning mindset I realize that no matter how much I think I know about an issue, my opinion reflects only my current understanding, not the absolute truth. I always have more to learn.

Practically, when applied to real conversations, the learning mindset means listening and asking questions to reveal new insights. When I stay curious and open – when I truly consider other perspectives – I can evolve and clarify my own opinions.

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HOW WE ASK QUESTIONS IS IMPORTANT: “Ask questions from a place of curiosity rather than judgment. Don’t try to lure someone into saying something inconsistent or incorrect and then leaping on them with a ‘gotcha’ – it won’t help anything, and it’s disrespectful.” (Tania Israel)

Try it • Let others speak their full thought.

• Ask open ended questions to explore their thinking further.

• Immediately after listening, summarize what you have heard and understand.

“It’s a little bit magical how much people appreciate being heard and understood.”

– Tania Israel 2

ENGAGE IN DIALOGUE, NOT DEBATE – LISTEN AND SPEAK WITH HUMILITY Dialogue and the learning mindset are based on the principle of two ears and one mouth – listening more than speaking. In dialogue, when we do speak it is important to do so with humility.

Acknowledging that our opinions are our best understanding right now - but may not tell the whole story - takes some courage. It makes us vulnerable.

“Vulnerability is not knowing how the other person will respond but making space for it anyway. We need to embrace, or at least tolerate, this vulnerability if we want to understand another person more than we want to advocate for our own perspective.” (Tania Israel) The more I think I know, the more likely I am to be dismissive or condescending, which will extinguish the collaborative spirit of dialogue. Instead, I can explain my in-depth thinking in relatable terms.

A gentle presentation of ideas may allow others to benefit from what I share without feeling they need to defend themselves or their position. This invites people into the conversation as an opportunity for learning and growth.

Try it WHEN YOU SHARE AN OPINION ABOUT AN ISSUE, EXPLAIN THAT: • this is your best understanding to date, and disclose the sources you have drawn on to form your opinions.

• you believe it is worthy of consideration.

• you offer it to add to common understanding.

• you recognize there are many valid points of view.

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ACCEPT COMPLEXITY AND AMBIGUITY – PRACTICE “YES AND” THINKING While political parties and media outlets reduce issues to simple binaries, the reality is usually more complex and nuanced. In controversial issues there are levels of complexity that make consensus difficult to achieve (Harvard Business).

I often leave conversations about big issues feeling confused - solutions often aren’t obvious; positions haven’t changed much. But when I reflect on a Conversation for Understanding, I usually feel optimistic because I have some new ideas to consider and it’s not resolution that’s important, it’s the process of engaging with community that matters.

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FOCUS ON WHAT YOU ARE FOR – TALK VALUES NOT VILLAINS Conversations for Understanding focus on what we are FOR – how our values can be expressed through actions and policy. When we speak about what we are for and the benefits we see in various choices, we can find more in common and develop more empathy.

Try it DESCRIBE ACTIONS OR POLICIES THAT YOU BELIEVE ARE POSITIVE. SPEAK ABOUT: • effective strategies and initiatives.

• what (not who) you like - avoid creating heroes and villains.

• how policies create benefit.

• who benefits from initiatives.

• Look for opportunities to say “yes and” rather than “but”.

• Listen for and acknowledge the helpful or positive aspects of other’s positions.

• Consider how other’s information could inform your own position.

As neighbours, friends, and colleagues we share this country and province. We all play a role in setting its direction. We express our values and beliefs by how we vote, of course, and also, through what we say and how we say it. We open the door to growth as citizens when we model a commitment to dialogue and speak about what we are for, with respect for various perspectives.

Conversations for Understanding strengthen our democracy and contribute to progress in society, one dialogue at a time. ● Dave Derksen spent 31 years with Saskatoon Public Schools. In retirement, he enjoys life with Marlys, his wife of 35 years and their growing family. He features diverse human experiences on his podcast, Stories told by Friends, and is a regular guest on TPI’s The Kitchen Table.

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Preparing for the 2024 Election

Election 2024

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fall 2024 • Volume 48

HIS FALL, PROVINCIAL, municipal and school board elections will provide opportunities for individuals to engage candidates in conversations and to advocate for services on behalf of older persons and the publicly funded education system. Your STS Executive offers the following non-partisan articles to share information to support you in your advocacy efforts with candidates. You are also encouraged to seek out information from the STF (www.stf.sk.ca) or from the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (www.skseniorsmechanism.ca to support your advocacy. Applying the skills outlined by Dave Derksen in his article ‘Conversations for Understanding’ might assist in your advocacy approach.

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fall 2024 • Volume 48 Election 2024

Advocacy, Politics and Partisanship WRITTEN BY: DOUG STILL A key reason for forming the STS in 1973 was teacher welfare, especially around pensions which varied widely and were largely inadequate.

with provincial governments of three different political stripes. Advocacy is part of the political process, and politics is the language of democracy.

As our 50th Year Anniversary book notes, “These early organizers were known to frequently challenge the government of the day – highlighting the need for pension reform that guaranteed each of Saskatchewan’s retired teachers a life of dignity, security and adequate income.”

Advocacy and interest in politics are quite different from partisanship. Advocacy in a democracy means the ability to have an impact on behalf of members in bringing about positive change in society. Just as with our founders in 1973 and since, our approach is always non-partisan.

This tradition of advocacy was noted in a major membership survey that took place in early 2022.

Members told us the number one reason for joining the STS was to access health insurance, a program that has been around for over a quarter century. The second-most significant reason for joining was to support advocacy for retired teachers.

As an organization of older adults, we continue to engage in pushing for public policy that benefits not only our members, but all residents of this province. In recent years, there has been a conscious effort to ‘expand our circle of influence’ not only to advocate for superannuated teachers, but as part of a larger community of shared interests.

Advocacy is the process of gaining public support of a cause or policy Over the years our Annual General Meetings have adopted many policies ranging from our public health system to ageism. However, adopting policies we think are needed does not mean they are automatically adopted by government. It takes work to see good ideas blossom. That is where advocacy happens.

Advocacy is the process of gaining public support of a cause or policy. Since 1973, the STS has engaged

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One of the key differences between 51 years ago and today, is that for the first time in history, the population of people globally aged 60 years and older now outnumbers children under five. In the next decade, Saskatchewan is projected to have an older adult share of population approaching 25%. These major shifts, among others, present challenges as well as opportunities. But we must prepare for change, not stumble into the future by accident.

Public education, healthy aging in place, ageism, affordability, income stability and housing, are the focus of this article. Since 1973 our members have engaged in advocacy and democratic participation on an informed basis. It is in keeping with this tradition that this backgrounder is provided as you engage in the democratic process. ● Doug Still is the Past-President of the STS.

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Public Education WRITTEN BY: SUE AMUNDRUD

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DUCATION IS TYPICALLY seen as the most powerful route to improving private and public prosperity and well-being. Success in education is strongly related to demographics (the poor, racialized, or those coming from a family with low levels of education are less likely to succeed in school and to graduate). The Conference Board of Canada has documented that increased education levels provide a strong return on investment. It is important that we all pay attention to the challenges facing public education in this province.

Class size and complexity has been a key issue in the latest round of bargaining between the STF and the government-trustee bargaining team. There are more diverse needs in the regular classroom than ever, ranging from medical issues through speech and language challenges to non-English speakers and to mental health challenges – all of which are beyond the scope and training of the classroom teacher. Supports to address those needs – professionals who are trained to provide the required services – are critical in order to allow teachers to teach and students to learn. The move to binding arbitration in the current collective bargaining agreement is just a beginning towards addressing the classroom complexity issue.

Aging school buildings require renovations and/or replacement, and the cost of doing either has increased significantly. The building of new schools to serve new subdivisions in Saskatchewan’s major cities has not kept pace with the establishment of those subdivisions, meaning that many students are either crowded into old existing schools or forced to travel to schools at a significant distance from their home. New building requirements for schools established by the government have also increased costs significantly. Older buildings often do not have air conditioning or have been built with windows that do not open, creating very difficult learning conditions in the heat.

The Government of Saskatchewan spends a significant portion of its annual budget on

education. However, the needs as described are growing faster than any budget increases have been able to handle.

School divisions have not been able to set their own mill rate to fund education since 2009. At that time, the government proposed that equality across school divisions could be improved if a common tax rate was set across the province.

Government now sets the rates and collects taxes intended to support education, and then disperses funds, at their discretion, to school divisions. School divisions are accountable to the government for how they spend those funds.

Over several years now, school divisions in Saskatchewan have had to make difficult decisions in terms of staffing (teachers, paraprofessionals and specialists such as speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and counsellors), acquisition of resources, and capital costs (repair, renovation and new construction), because the amount of money given by the government does not cover all of the needs. Costs have increased faster than the amount provided.

Needs in each school division will vary – there is no easy “one size fits all” way to allocate funds.

Each school division has specific needs in staffing, acquisition of resources and capital costs that can be clearly identified. Meeting those needs requires adequate, predictable, and sustainable multi-year funding from the government. ● Sue Amundrud is the newly elected President of the STS.

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Healthy Aging in Place WRITTEN BY: DEVONA PUTLAND AND DIANE SELBY

Healthy aging in place means having access to services and the health and social supports one needs to live safely and independently in one’s home or community for as long as one wishes or is able.

The Government of Canada has published the Determinants of Health, a broad range of personal, social, economic and environmental factors that determine individual and population health. The main determinants of health that impact retired adults include: • Income and social status • Physical environments • Social supports and coping skills • Healthy behaviours • Access to health services For older adults, income stability, housing and food insecurity, and healthy behaviours become risk factors in aging well. While these factors are not medical, they may result in medical conditions if their need is not adequately met.

To facilitate older adults in experiencing healthy aging in place, there would be benefits in: 1.

Designing a strategy to support a healthy aging population: Population demographics are predictable and a plan that is proactive rather than reactive for dealing with the silver tsunami is needed.

2. Strengthening the healthcare sector: Saskatchewan has two geriatricians but over 60 pediatricians. By population percentages, 17.5% of Saskatchewan’s population are over 65 years of age while 20% are under the age of 14.

Wait times for surgeries needs to improve.

In May 2022, according to a report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), Saskatchewan residents had the longest wait times in Canada.

3. Supporting caregivers: Only 5% of the population ends up residing in Long Term Care Homes, and costs to society are lessened when people can remain living independently as long as possible, allowing them to age independently in the right place.

4. Enhancing transportation programs and opportunities for remote and rural communities: Without adequate public transportation, individuals who do not drive face limited options regarding where they can live, especially if they need services that are not available in their local communities.

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Supporting sustainable income: It is important to encourage the silver economy by creating tax credit incentives for older adults to assist with income stability.

6. Strengthening the community of practice: Saskatchewan would benefit from a Seniors’ Advocate position that would be non-partisan, fully funded, devoted solely to the issues of older adults and would have continuity from year to year. The current Seniors’ Ministry is in a combined portfolio with Mental Health and Addictions, and Rural and Remote Health, and is subject to government funding. ● Devona Putland and Diane Selby are STS Provincial Executive members.

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Income Security and Affordability WRITTEN BY: SUNIL PANDILA

The financial needs of older adults need to be supported by providing legislated protection of pension plans, tax credits to promote health and well-being, and affordable services.

Affordability in all areas of everyday life, including food, housing, transportation and health care is a real and current issue for older adults. Following retirement, a decline in income often occurs, and supplementing this income through paid work may be difficult. Factors such as declining physical abilities and ageism may limit employment opportunities.

cost-of-living increases would provide an income that supports active, healthy lifestyles. Pensions that are not protected or do not keep up with the cost of living will erode the purchasing power of individuals. This can lead to income insecurity causing anxiety, stress, and negatively affecting individual health and well-being.

Income security through protected pensions and cost-of-living increases would facilitate the ability of older adults to live independently for as long as they are able. The provision of affordable community services and income supports through tax credits would assist in promoting health and well-being.

Older adults, who are often on a fixed income, require Saskatchewan’s population of older adults is and individuals tend to live to a greater a secure and adequate increasing, age. It is time for Saskatchewan to have either a dedicated Ministry of Older Adults or an Advocate financial income for Older Persons to ensure the voices of those over 55 years of age are heard and their needs are to continue to understood. live productive, Other ways the financial needs of older adults could be supported include financial support and/ engaged lives or tax credits for unpaid caregivers and ensuring Older adults, who are often on fixed incomes, require secure and adequate financial incomes to continue to live productive, engaged lives.

Legislatively protected pensions that keep up with

representation of older adults on provincial pension boards and committees. ●

Sunil Pandila is a member of the STS Provincial Executive.

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fall 2024 • Volume 48 Self-Care

Self-Care

Disinformation in Elections WRITTEN BY: KEVIN SCHMIDT

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URING THE UPCOMING elections (provincial and municipal), individuals will be inundated with information; therefore, it is critical to be aware of what type of information is being received. Misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (MDM) have always found ways into our lives. New technologies have provided the means and mechanisms for MDM to become a serious risk to individuals, organizations, and even democracy.

TYPES OF INFORMATION • Valid information means that it is factually correct, is based on data that can be confirmed, and isn’t misleading in any way.

• Inaccurate information is either incomplete or manipulated in a way that portrays a false narrative.

• False information is incorrect and there is data that disproves it.

• Unsustainable information can neither be confirmed nor disproved based on the available data.

DEFINING MISINFORMATION, DISINFORMATION, AND MALINFORMATION MDM can be identified as three main forms of informational activity that may cause minor or even major harm: • Misinformation refers to false information that is not intended to cause harm.

• Disinformation refers to false information that is intended to manipulate or cause damage, and guide people, organizations, or countries in the wrong direction.

• Malinformation refers to information that stems from the truth but is often exaggerated in a way that misleads and causes potential harm.

There are some guiding questions individuals must ask themselves to help determine if they are viewing MDM. A positive response to one of the following questions indicates further research should be conducted before trusting the information: • Does it provoke an emotional response?

• Does it make a bold statement on a controversial issue?

• Is it an extraordinary claim?

• Does it contain clickbait?

• Does it use small pieces of valid information that are exaggerated or distorted?

• Has it spread virally on unvetted or loosely vetted platforms?

For self-protection and to prevent the spread of MDMs, individuals should: • Avoid assuming information is correct, even if it comes from a friend or family member.

• Use a fact-checking site to ensure the information has not already been proven false.

• Verify domain names to ensure they match the organization. The domain name may have typos or use a different Top-Level Domain (TLD) such as .net or .org • Ensure the information is up to date. ●

Source information for this article comes from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, (www.cyber.gc.ca/en/ guidance/how-identify-misinformation-disinformation-and-malinformation-itsap00300).

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Engagement

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Working for an Election WRITTEN BY: SUE AMUNDRUD, SUNIL PANDILA & HELEN SUKOVIEFF WORKING FOR AN ELECTION WRITTEN BY: SUE AMUNDRUD Ever considered working for an election, either provincial or federal? Both are coming up soon and retired teachers are always in great demand.

Skills developed over many years of teaching and/ or administration make retired teachers excellent candidates as election workers.

Shortly after I retired, I received a phone call from a retired colleague who was trying to fill a position in a returning office, and I said yes. In subsequent elections, I have supervised workers in returning offices and been a training officer for federal elections. I was open to that level of commitment but individuals can determine their own level of commitment to make an important contribution to the electoral process.

Skills developed over many years of teaching and/ or administration make retired teachers excellent candidates as election workers.

Consider offering your skills for any election.

Willing to work for a day? Workers are needed at polling locations. Duties might include welcoming voters, tracking who is voting, or distributing and counting ballots. Willing to

take on a couple of weeks of work, and have a background in delivering workshops? Training and training materials are provided for those open to training other election workers. Willing to work under a contract for several weeks to several months? Returning offices need administrative support, election clerks, and returning officers.

Municipal elections need election workers. Both urban and northern municipalities hold elections every four years while rural municipalities hold elections every two years for rotating councillors who serve four year terms once elected.

ELECTION CHANGES WRITTEN BY: SUNIL PANDILA Those who have previously worked at a provincial election will notice that, in some constituencies, there will be a significant change in the use of technology.

In the technology-based constituencies of Martensville-Blairmore, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Swift Current, The Battlefords, and Yorkton, workers must commit to working ALL six days of the election: Tuesday, October 22 through Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Monday, October 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. plus ballot counting after the polls close. The use of technology will reduce the number of workers required in those constituencies so do not be discouraged if you apply but are not selected.

Rural constituencies will not be technology-based and the working commitment will be: Tuesday, October 22 through Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. OR Monday, October 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. plus ballot counting after the polls close.

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fall 2024 • Volume 48 ENGAGEMENT | Recognition

MÉTIS ELECTIONS WRITTEN BY: HELEN SUKOVIEFF The Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (MN-S) holds elections every four years for their leadership positions. In order to vote in a MN-S election, individuals must hold a MN-S citizenship card by meeting all four parts of the MN-S Constitutional definition: individuals must self-identify as Métis, be distinct from other Aboriginal peoples, be of historic Métis Nation Ancestry and be accepted by the Métis Nation.

The governance structure includes the MN-S Senate, and a Cabinet – the Provincial Métis Council (PMC) – which is composed of the four-member executive, as well as elected officials representing all 12 Métis Nations of Saskatchewan.

The next election for the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan is slated for the spring of 2025 so watch for that if you want another opportunity to

be involved in a Saskatchewan election. If you are a Métis person, you will get priority.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: • www.elections.ca/jobs for Federal election worker positions; • www.elections.sk.ca/workers/ for Provincial election worker positions; • the Municipal office in your location for Municipal election worker positions; and • metisnationsk.com for positions for Métis Nations Saskatchewan election worker positions. ● Sue Amundrud, Sunil Pandila and Helen Sukovieff are members of the STS Provincial Executive.

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Recognition

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community intergenerational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.

On September 30, we encourage all people to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools. ●

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Recognition

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International Day of Older Persons

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WRITTEN BY: STS STAFF CTOBER 1ST IS International Day of Older Persons which is an annual observance dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of the unique issues that older persons face, as well as to acknowledge the valuable contributions they make to society. This special day emphasizes the importance of intergenerational collaboration, social inclusion, accessibility, and age-friendly environments. By addressing the challenges older persons confront globally and celebrating their strengths, the observance of this day aims to foster a sense of dignity and respect for older persons.

The United Nations General Assembly officially established International Day of Older Persons on December 14, 1990, to support the goals of the 1982 Vienna International Plan of Action on Aging. Older Canadians hold a significant place in society, and as life expectancy increases, the proportion of the senior population will continue to rise. As of 2021, approximately 18% of Canada's population was over the age of 65, and this figure is expected to reach as high as 25% by the year 2036. By acknowledging older persons' experiences, knowledge, and contributions, Canadians can encourage a more inclusive and harmonious society for individuals of all ages.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS FACTS • Despite misconceptions, mental capabilities such as wisdom and knowledge often improve with age. Many older people continue to learn, work, and contribute to their communities.

• Maintaining social connections is essential for older adults' mental health and well-being.

Many Canadian communities offer seniors programs and recreational opportunities, such as clubs, classes, and volunteer opportunities to foster social engagement and combat isolation.

One of the best ways to celebrate International Day of Older Persons and show appreciation for older Canadians is to ensure that cities and communities are good places to grow up and grow older. Some of the ways to do this might include: • Promoting the day through social media • Writing letters to the Editor • Organizing a “Lunch and Learn” focussing on contributions of older persons to our communities and the economy • Hosting a tea for older persons in your community

• Older people have lower physiological reserves, meaning they have less ability to compensate for stressors such as disease or injury.

• Planning a special event, supper, games night, movie night or other recognition event that promotes interaction between different age and demographic groups

• The majority of older Canadians can access the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, and Guaranteed Income Supplement programs.

• Start the process towards becoming an Age Friendly Community. ●

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WRITTEN BY: STS STAFF

The 2024 STS AGM successfully concluded on May 9, 2024, with 22 of the 37 resolutions brought to the plenary session either being carried or referred to the Executive.

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Ernie Jaman receiving the HLM Certificate for Sylvia Jones

Diane Marchand

At the AGM banquet, guests were entertained by the Kimbal Siebert instrumental trio during the social hour and by West of Mabou after the banquet. Four new Honorary Life Memberships were also conferred on the following individuals: • Sylvia Jones (who unfortunately passed away April 11, 2024)

Eunice Martin receiving the HLM Certificate for Ralph May

• Diane Marchand • Ralph May (unfortunately could not be in attendance) • Adeline Wuschenny

Adeline Wuschenny

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The 2024-25 Provincial Executive was elected and is comprised of the following: PRESIDENT: Sue Amundrud – Carrot River Valley (Melfort & District) Chapter

Owen Sebastian – Shaunavon Chapter

VICE-PRESIDENT: Terri Mitchell – Yorkton Chapter

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE: Joyce Hoffman – Regina Chapter

PAST-PRESIDENT: Doug Still – Regina Chapter ACER-CART REPRESENTATIVE: Helen Sukovieff - Regina Chapter COUNCILLORS: Martin Berg – Unity Chapter

Anna Wehrkamp - Carrot River Valley (Melfort & District) Chapter

Jane Isinger – Saskatoon Chapter Alan Laughlin – The Battlefords and District Chapter Dean Lucyk – Regina Chapter Beverly Magel – Last Mountain Chapter Sunil Pandila – Moose Jaw Chapter Diane Selby – Saskatoon Chapter

Huguette Kitchen – Lloydminster Chapter Devona Putland – Moosomin Chapter

Back Row: Diane Selby, Devona Putland, Alan Laughlin, Beverly Magel, Owen Sebastian, Sunil Pandila, Dean Lucyk, Martin Berg, Anna Wehrkamp Front Row: Murray Wall (Executive Director), Jane Isinger, Helen Sukovieff, Doug Still, Sue Amundrud, Terri Mitchell, Joyce Hoffman, Huguette Kitchen 16 Outreach

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Impromptu conga line

STS President Doug Still passing the gavel to incoming President Sue Amundrud

Dancing breaking out at the AGM banquet

West of Mabou performing at the banquet

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Upcoming Events SEPTEMBER

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30

23

Office Closed (through to January 3 inclusive)

25 26

Christmas Day

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Office Closed

OCTOBER

1

International Day of Older Persons

5 10

World Teacher Day

14

Thanksgiving Office Closed

Boxing Day

Provincial Kaiser (hosted by Wakaw Chapter)

NOVEMBER

4-6

Provincial Curling (hosted by Saskatoon Chapter)

11

Remembrance Day Office Closed

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT # 40017216

13-14 Provincial Executive Meeting Provincial Wellness Retreat 2024

SASKATOON SK S7J 2H8

2311 ARLINGTON AVENUE

STS OFFICE

SUPERANNUATED TEACHERS’ OF SASKATCHEWAN

RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:

15

Chapter Presidents Meeting

For more details and registration forms for our events visit the STS website at www.sts.sk.ca

EXT-00247 / 20240815

Provincial Mah Jongg Tournament 2024