On June 3 and 4, 2026 the Saskatchewan First Nations Family and Community Institute (SFNFCI) hosted the On-Reserve Income Assistance & Social Development Workers Quarterly Meeting at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.
These meetings are held every quarter, and they are one of the larger events that we host. Both days of the event were very well attended by on-reserve Income Assistance and Social Development workers along with representatives from ISC, FSIN, SaskPower, Sask Mental Health and SFNFCI. Day One, June 3, had about 100 participants both in-person and online. Day Two, June 4, had about 75 participants both in-person and online. Each day began with an opening prayer and song by Elder Wally Awasis and Elder Ernestine Starr, followed by an overview of the day’s agenda.
Key Topics covered in the meeting.
- Review of last meeting notes
- Terms of Reference review, with changes
- Income Assistance Program Updates followed by Q&A session with Jason Yew (ISC).
- FSIN Update from Karen Pelletier
- Day 1- SaskPower Relationship Manager attended to address concerns raised during the Q & A to follow up resolving barriers faced by IA workers concerning SaskPower billing and services. Contact information was exchanged to follow up needs and worries voiced. Day 2 – SaskPower Indigenous Relations team introduced themselves and the support they offer to First Nations communities. Members of this team also stayed and took part in the lateral violence and psychological safety activity as part of commitment to relationship building.
- Updates from SFNFCI staff leading the IA Reform Project
- Roundtable updates from each community and worker in attendance where participants share successes, what’s not working well, and what’s next for the community.
A highlight of the two-day meeting was a certificate workshop hosted by Sask. Mental Health. Jim Brayshaw, Angellah Brayshaw, and Darryl Angus facilitated the workshop titled “The Sound of Belonging in Safe Workplaces and Communities” which focused on creating safe spaces in the workplace.
The event wrapped up with a closing prayer and song by Elder Wally Awasis.
