MuniCast

In season 6 of MuniCast we are sitting down with the SUMA staff to discover "Who is SUMA?" In episode 1 of season 6 we chat with SUMA's CEO, Jean-Marc Nadeau, about the strategies and methodologies employed to support urban municipal leaders and administrations across Saskatchewan through the work done at SUMA. In this episode, we explore key considerations for guiding SUMA's direction such as partnerships with municipal organizations across the country working with the board of directors, and engaging with Saskatchewan's urban municipalities. Jean-Marc discusses ways SUMA gathers feedback from members and translating that into actionable initiatives, including involvement with educational programs such as the Municipal Administration Specialization with Saskatchewan Polytechnic. In this insightful discussion, gain a broader understanding of SUMA's role aiming to empower urban municipalities.

In Episode 6 we speak with Cadmus Delorme and Thomas Benjoe of OneHoop about economic reconciliation, building relationships, and engaging with indigenous owned businesses. OneHoop is a groundbreaking consulting firm that proudly embraces its Indigenous heritage. OneHoop aims to advance Canadians’ understanding of economic reconciliation and support meaningful relationship-building between the corporate sector, governments and the Indigenous community. Founded by Cadmus Delorme, former Chief of Cowessess First Nation, OneHoop’s unique perspective guides their approach to the firm’s three core pillars: Indigenous consulting Management consulting and; Government relations.  Their experts have been instrumental in the development of recognized Indigenous engagement strategies and frameworks, Indigenous procurement policies, and diversity, equity and inclusion practices. In tandem with Indigenous consulting, they offer conventional management consulting, business development, and government relations services. Learn more about OneHoop here.

In Season 5 of MuniCast we are discussing how truth and reconciliation relates to municipalities. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has outlined 94 Calls to Action, with a portion of those calls directed toward government, some to all levels of government, including municipalities. In Episode 5 we speak with Sandra Bender from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) about the importance of understanding the truth in truth and reconciliation, how municipalities can continue to deepen their reconciliation practices and continue to address call to action #57. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation or NCTR is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of Residential School Survivors, families and communities are honoured and kept safe for future generations. The NCTR educates Canadians on the profound injustices inflicted on First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation by the forced removal of children to attend residential schools and the widespread abuse suffered in those schools. They preserve the record of these human rights abuses, and promote continued research and learning on the legacy of residential schools. Their goal is to honour Survivors and to foster reconciliation and healing on the foundation of truth telling. Resources discussed: City of Toronto Reconciliation Action Plan na-mi-quai-ni-mak Community Support Fund Education Resources - NCTR National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials Resources for Indigenous Communities Considering Investigating Unmarked Graves My ReconciliACTION plan for public servants Indigenous Cultural Safety Collaborative Learning Series

In Episode 4 SUMA's Northern Regional Director and Councillor for the Northern Village of Île-à-la-Crosse, Gerald Roy, joins us for a conversation on Reconciliation and Governance. We discuss the value of engaging with first nations communities, economic growth in the north, and the value of municipalities engaging in acts of reconciliation. Gerald was born and raised in the historic Métis community of Île-à-la-Crosse and is a lifelong resident of Saskatchewan’s North. He graduated from Rossignol High School and convocated from the School of Human Justice at the University of Regina. Gerald is an Indigenous Business Development Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Trade and Export Development. He is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys boating, angling, ice fishing, snowmobiling and hunting. He is serving in his fifth term as councillor with the Northern Village of Île-à-la-Crosse. 

In season 5 of MuniCast we are discussing how truth and reconciliation relates to municipalities. In this episode we are joined by Kevin Harris, Account Executive - Indigenous Business Market with SaskTel to learn about how SaskTel is connecting communities throughout Saskatchewan, and the value of partnering with Indigenous led organizations. Kevin is a settler in the Treaty 4 area where he and his family live, learn and work and has been employed with SaskTel for the past 42 years, much of that time as an Account Executive in the Financial Services Sector, and for the last 8 years as an Account Executive with the Indigenous Business Development Team. Kevin’s journey into understanding Truth and Reconciliation began about 24 years ago when as a family they became foster parents. Kevin and Lori-Lee are very proud parents of two Indigenous children who are now adults and are active in connecting and celebrating with them their culture, ceremonies and communities. The work that Kevin does with the Indigenous communities and the personal life they lead are interconnected and intersect regularly. Kevin values the relationships he has with Indigenous leaders and knowledge keepers, and is on a constant journey to continue learning how to be a good ally for Indigenous views and practices. Learn more about SaskTel's indigenous engagement here: https://www.sasktel.com/about-us/Community/Indigenous+Engagement

In season 5 of MuniCast we are discussing how truth and reconciliation relates to municipalities. In this conversation Rhett Sangster and Shaid Heimbecker from the Office of the Treaty Commissioner discuss the progress of reconciliation in Saskatchewan, resources that municipalities can access to start, or enhance, their reconciliation work, and the reconciliation journeys that have already begun. Rhett Sangster works with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, coordinating efforts to engage both the public and community leaders on the nature of reconciliation in Saskatchewan. This process aims to work with as many partners as possible to identify shared priorities and a broadly-owned vision for the future. Shaid Heimbecker is a member of the Muskoday First Nation on Treaty 6 territory. She was eager to learn about the Treaties, Canada’s history and the importance of her culture when she was in her adolescence and had the opportunity to work casually for the OTC from 2010 to 2015. Her return at the OTC in fall of 2021 has allowed her the opportunity of gaining a deeper understanding of Treaties and the history of Canada as well as her own culture, all of which she is passionate about. She is working with the Reconciliation team in the Truth and Reconciliation through Treaty Implementation(TRTI) Department, helping guide organizations on building an action plan for their reconciliation journey. Learn more about the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and how your municipality can work with Reconciliation Saskatchewan at http://www.otc.ca/pages/reconciliation_saskatchewan.html

In season 5 of MuniCast we are discussing how truth and reconciliation relates to municipalities. Episode 1: Truth, Law, and Reconciliation with John Stefaniuk K.C. outlines the calls that apply directly to municipal governments, and John discusses what that means for municipalities of all sizes, and how municipalities can uphold their responsibilities to work towards reconciliation. John is a practitioner of municipal law with the Manitoba law firm Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP. He engages in a broad practice which includes emphasis on municipal law, and has experience in municipal approvals, taxation and assessment, and business acquisitions. He appears regularly before government licensing bodies and administrative tribunals including the Manitoba Clean Environment Commission and Municipal Board, municipal councils, provincial legislative committees and in all levels of court in Manitoba and in the Federal Court in connection with environmental, resource, regulatory municipal, and property issues. Access the resources discussed in this episode: Federation of Canadian Municipalities Stronger Together Toolkit Association of Municipalities Ontario Resources on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action Toolkit Indigenous-Municipal Relationship Agreements: A Guide for Municipal Leaders What Municipal Leaders Can Do To Better Support Indigenous Residents And Neighbours At This Time Alberta Municipalities A Municipal Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action Documentary Film (Saskatchewan) Reserve 107

In this episode we speak with University of Regina (UofR) researcher, Iryna Khovrenkov, the Executive Director of the Community Initiatives Fund, Tracey Mann and the CEO of Heritage Saskatchewan, Ingrid Cazakoff about the Wellbeing in Policy project, and their findings following a province-wide survey of Saskatchewan municipalities on mental health, culture, municipal economics, and environmental well-being. Tune in as we discuss how these important themes fit in with municipal planning and budgeting.

SaskTel is a regular participant in the Tradeshow at SUMA’s Annual Convention and they value the opportunity to connect with SUMA members. Randy Palazzo, Business Development Manager, Business Sales and Solutions, SaskTel joins us to discuss the efforts SaskTel has been making to engage with communities of all sizes, share their approach to innovation and discuss the value of participating in the annual SUMA Convention and Tradeshow. Season 4 of MuniCast is sponsored by SaskTel.

In this episode of MuniCast we speak with Joan McCusker, 1998 Olympic Gold Medal Winner on the Sandra Schmirler curling team, about her Saskatchewan roots, the importance, and her role as the MC for the 2023 SUMA Convention and Tradeshow.  Season 4 of MuniCast is sponsored by SaskTel

Cody Demerais will be the keynote speaker at the 2023 SUMA Convention and Tradeshow. In this episode Cody sits down with us to discuss his keynote presentation, why he is looking forward to talking to Saskatchewan's Urban Municipalities, and his experiences with mental health and addictions.  Season 4 of MuniCast is sponsored by SaskTel

On this episode Andrew McDonald, Director of Marketing and Communications at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, joins us to discuss the story of Wanuskewin, the excellence of the site, and the value of an experience at the park. This year, SUMA is introducing optional excursions during the 2023 SUMA Convention and Tradeshow. Participants will have the opportunity to visit Wanuskewin Heritage Park and discover the thousands of years of history located on this unique site that is right here in Saskatchewan. Season 4 of MuniCast is sponsored by SaskTel

The Honourable Everett Hindley, bearpit participant at the annual SUMA Convention and Tradeshow, and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors, and Rural and Remote Health joins us to discuss the work that the ministry has been doing to address mental health and addictions, and the value of connecting with Saskatchewan's municipal leaders. Season 4 of MuniCast is sponsored by SaskTel

In this episode we are joined by Jodine Smith with SaskTel, and the Be Kind Online Program, and Cindy Fuchs with the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation. Be Kind Online aims to end bullying and cyberbullying in our communities and Saskatchewan Roughrider foundation’s mission is to empower youth and communities through teaching skills like leadership, resilience, and responsibility. Tune in to this episode as we discuss how these two programs work together to address youth mental health throughout Saskatchewan.

We sat down with SUMA President and Councillor for the City of Yorkton, Randy Goulden, to discuss her career in municipal politics, her involvement in SUMA and FCM, and what keeps her motivated to continue serving her municipality and municipal associations. Randy discusses the importance of connection and shares personal experiences around the value of reliable broadband, and the need for accessible public transportation throughout the province.

In Season 3, Episode 1 of MuniCast we sit down with former City of Edmonton Mayor, Don Iveson, to talk about everything from becoming a municipal leader, to COVID-19, to housing. Don shares personal and professional experiences that have shaped the way he engages with community members and how mental health, housing, and current trends in municipal leadership, are interconnected.

On the final episode of MuniCast Season 2, we sit down with former premier of Saskatchewan Lorne Calvert. Calvert served as the 13th premier of Saskatchewan from 2001 to 2007, and was leader of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party until 2009. In this episode we discuss how Saskatchewan has changed over the last 15 years and what issues still exist today. Calvert brings a wealth of knowledge in this can't miss episode.

Reconciliation is a commonly heard buzzword in municipal governance, but what does a commitment to reconciliation really look like? Episode 5 of MuniCast sits down with University of Winnipeg academic Niigaanwewidam Sinclair to discuss how your community can work collaboratively with First Nation partners. Discussing how communities can work to support their partners and make a commitment to honour the treaties of Saskatchewan, this special 40-minute episode covers tough topics in a respectful way.

In today’s digital landscape, connectivity is at the forefront of our business and home lives. Join us for a discussion on broadband with SaskTel's Paul Kelly and Greg Jacobs. This conversation covers the challenges of connectivity in the north, how communities can use data to create innovative solutions, and what you can do today to help your community secure reliable broadband tomorrow.

From SUMA member to SUMA President, Mayor Rodger Hayward has served his community, his region, his sector, and the entire membership. Join us for a discussion with former President Hayward as he shares his takeaways on leadership and learn from his time around the SUMA Board table. First elected in 1996, Mayor Hayward has a wealth of knowledge that he shares in this discussion on lessons in leadership.