July 13-16, 2026 marked one of the most important times of the year for the Saskatchewan First Nations Family and Community Institute (SFNFCI) as staff gathered for our annual Summer Strategic Planning Week. The week began in a good way with a Pipe Ceremony led by our Elders and Knowledge Keepers, who offered prayers for our staff, families, communities, and the children we serve. Their guidance grounded our work and reminded us of our shared purpose.
Throughout the week, participants explored SFNFCI’s history, strategic priorities, and future direction. Discussions focused on the Institute’s progress and the path ahead, including updates on strategic plans, Tier 2 maps, policy changes, organizational initiatives such as Microsoft 365, and long-term planning horizons stretching five, ten, and fifteen years into the future. Summer students also played an active role in setting up the Pipe Ceremony and gaining valuable insight into the work of our departments, teams, and committees.
As Elder Ernestine Starr often reminds us, everything we do is for the children. That message remained at the heart of every conversation and decision during the week.
Strategic Planning Week was also an opportunity to build relationships, share laughs, and strengthen connections. Meaningful discussions, collaborative planning, and a few fun games and shenanigans thanks to Kim’s icebreaker games made for an engaging and memorable week that left staff informed, inspired, and energized for the future.
