Saskatoon flag raising is 'paused' while organizers review event

There will be no reconciliation flag raising event in Civic Square at the end of the month.

In a letter published online, the organization Reconciliation Saskatoon says that as more and more Indigenous people in the city struggle with homelessness and poverty, it is important to ask whether the measures taken are leading to real change.

“Reconciliation Saskatoon is led by community and the voices of Indigenous knowledge keepers and residential school survivors. This year, we heard that it is time to revisit this event and ensure it continues to align with the work of truth and reconciliation,” the letter said.

“We respect the need of survivors, knowledge holders and community members to have time and space to pause, reflect and reconnect. Only then can we move forward in a positive way.”

The flag raising has taken place every year since 2016 at the end of May to honor the survivors of the residential schools and to raise awareness of truth and reconciliation in the city.

The City of Saskatoon is co-chair of Reconciliation Saskatoon.

In a statement, the city reiterated the message from the letter, adding that Reconciliation Saskatoon is working on a new four-year strategic plan “to guide its activities and programs to ensure its efforts move forward well.”

Reconciliation Saskatoon will continue to organize the Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation on June 21.