Success Stories

AFCS helps local Centres address capacity for cultural programming

In recent years, many Aboriginal Friendship Centres in the province saw unprecedented growth and demand for more culturally relevant programming.

Exploring a shared delivery model strengthens funding programs

Since they were formed, these partnerships have resulted in increased uptake, increased leadership, and more.

Online Grant Platform improves user experience for assessors

New updates to SaskCulture’s Online Grant Platform were made this year to make this process much easier and accessible for volunteer assessors.

Beading connects youth to culture and develops patience

Nature creates safe space for kids to express themselves

Project creates understanding about Indigenous teachings from the land

Increasing preservation of cultural teachings: Podcast project shares Métis values and lifestyles

Increasing support and access to funding: New funding program supports emerging group

Increasing participation in cultural experiences post-pandemic: Encouraging folks to “Find the Fun” at in-person cultural experiences

Travelling Artist Takes Music Lessons to Underserved Communities

Volunteer Peer Assessors Offer Diverse Perspectives and Experience

How Kelsey Starblanket's teachings help youth find purpose

Funds Reaching Métis Communities, Preserving Culture

Fransaskois Festival Success a Result of Strong Leadership

YWCA Exemplifies Leadership in Implementing TRC’s Calls to Action

Listen to Dis': Increasing Accessibility Is a Journey

Embracing Differences: Learning First-Hand from Cultural Ambassadors

A Lasting Legacy: Building Support for Cultural Activity in the North

New Strategies Help Creative Kids in Saskatchewan

Living Through History: Documenting COVID-19 Culture in Saskatchewan

Finding new Ways to Safely engage

Stegner Residence: A Home for Creativity

Connecting the heART to Wellbeing

Awards Recognize Individual Contributions to Multiculturalism in Saskatchewan

Curiosity, Engagement and Listening Key to Innovative Program and Leadership

Focused on Sustaining Languages

Leonard Montgrand: Leading Youth in Discovering of Métis Culture

How a canoe trip can teach youth about teamwork and leadership.

Sandra Butel – Value-Based Approach to Festival Experience

Community Brings People and Cultures Together

Assessor Portal Increases Consistency and Provides Easier Access

Important Link in Saskatchewan's North

The Northern Sport, Culture and Recreation District brings community together

Jamming for Culture

Keeping a food tradition alive for future generations

Youth Paying it Forward Through Fundraising

Youth spearheading fundraising efforts in support of Creative Kids

Haunted History and the Darker Side of Heritage

The words ‘heritage’ and ‘history’ on their own do not always elicit excitement. But add the word ‘haunted’ and the past takes on a mysterious allure.

Expressing Saskatchewan narratives through technology

With a background in journalism, Evie ruddy is a natural storyteller. As a SaskCulture animateur, she is helping others develop that very same skill.

New Digital Magazine Provides Link to Northern Talent

Language is a pathway to one’s cultural identity, and the Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) in La Ronge is taking a leading role to ensure this link is not permanently lost for future generations.

Our Humboldt– Looking toward the future through a cultural lens

Humboldt is stepping into the future with a brand new culture-led growth plan.

Artists ‘animate’ Culture Days in Saskatchewan

Since 2010, SaskCulture has hired Saskatchewan artists, from a variety of disciplines, to interest people – planners and public - in participating in Culture Days, a three-day event held during the last weekend in September each year.

Animateurs Key in Culture Days Success

Since Culture Days began in 2010, SaskCulture has hired artists from various disciplines to travel across the province to contact local community planners, libraries, museums and artists to help brainstorm ideas & build community support for Culture Days.

Year of Fransaskois celebrating 'joie de vivre' in 2012

Back in December, the provincial government declared 2012 as the Year of the Fransaskois in Saskatchewan and events marking this year-long celebration have been taking place across the province.

Connecting culture through social media

At the SaskCulture Gathering in 2011, social media expert Darren Barefoot began by clarifying the difference between “digital immigrants”, those who are just learning to use social media (usually 32 years plus), and “digital natives”.

Looking Forward to Next Culture Days

Now that Culture Days has come and gone for 2011, many organizations have had the chance to reflect on their involvement. The Art Gallery of Swift Current is the one of many cultural organizations that was pleased with the results.

Champions only part of SEDA success

Supporting the pursuit of national championships, producing videos, hosting seminars and touring the north are just a few of the activities keeping the Saskatchewan Elocution and Debate Association (SEDA) busy this past year.

Four lakes, four seasons, five communities for culture

“I have always been interested in revitalizing our main street,” says Elaine Hanson, town councillor and business owner, Fort Qu’Appelle. “We tend to use the beauty of the Qu’Appelle Valley as an excuse to do very little to improve the aesthetics of the t

Summer work leaves impression in North Central

Charlotte Hauk’s job is unique. “I might be the only person doing this kind of stuff, at least in Regina,” she says. It’s probably true.

Ukrainian cultural identity deeply rooted in province

The Ukrainian culture runs deep throughout Saskatchewan. Hearing the language spoken, eating the traditional dishes or seeing the brightly coloured national dress, is common in many areas of the province.

Creative Kids Attracting Interest

As the end of the Creative Kids pilot year draws near, several communities in Saskatchewan have experienced the growing demand for this new charitable giving program. Interest is growing, and the town of Shaunavon, can attest to that.

Q & A with Anika Henderson - Cultural Leader in Saskatchewan

Yorkton Aims for Cultural Excellence

Yorkton was one of the first Saskatchewan communities to develop a cultural plan. Organizers saw its development as an opportunity to achieve greater community engagement in the development of Yorkton’s cultural sector.

Culture 365: Enjoying cultural experiences year-round

Highlighting cultural activities all year-round is a great way to keep people engaged. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate Culture Days all year long?

Former Creative Kids recipients now champions for cause

Since its formation in 2010, Creative Kids has helped support thousands of children and youth, who faced financial and social barriers, access meaningful ongoing arts and cultural activities.

Small grant has big impact for Sound of Afghanistan

The group’s access to the Small Grant Accessibility Program provided them with the support to continue their role of healing and spreading their message through music.

Learning a second language links youth to their heritage

Benefits to involving diverse cultural perspectives in projects

Relationship-building key to careful interpretation of Indigenous artifacts

Helping children and youth access cultural activities: Raising funds key to increased access

Supporting Truth and Reconciliation: Culture Days encourages communities to host Truth and Reconciliation activities

Rivers West District Volunteer Awards Connect at a Personal Level

Understanding the Role of Helper - Important to Indigenous Communities

Volunteers Contribute to Growth of Historical Society

Taking action toward Reconciliation

New Partnership Supports More Northern Youth

New Champion Says Access to Dance a Life-Changer

Anti-racism Conference: New Non-profit Leads Discussions on Anti-racism

Access to songwriting and dance important to well-being

Program Helps Heritage Languages Thrive

Cathedral Village Arts Festival Adapts Quickly to Engage Online

CARFAC Mentorship Continues Connections Online

New Program Brings Poetry and Stage into Students’ Homes

The Show will Go On!

Promoting Cultural Diversity through Food

Finding a Connection to the Land Through Art

Beading Program Re-Connects Students to Their Culture and Traditions

Diversity of Voices on Cultural Boards

Jennifer Fitzpatrick’s Leading Role in Telling the Stories of Humboldt

New Theatre Company Shares Stories of Newcomers

Working Hands, Working Minds at the South East District Continue to Promote Community Engagement

Keeping Language Alive

Connecting Language with the First Nations World View

Culture Days in Saskatchewan - Increasing Community Engagement

Creighton Celebrates Culture Days

How a community recognizes its local culture

Belinda Daniels

Top teacher is a life-long learner

Adventures in Archaeology

On tour with the Saskatchewan Archaeology Society

It's Not Baroque and She's Bach this Year: Meet Della Beal

This summer will be the 29th SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival and the 24th year that Della Beal has volunteered with the Saskatoon festival.

In Her Own Words: Joyce Vandall

Joyce Vandall has been a passionate community volunteer for over 30 years.

SaskScapes chronicles the people of Saskatchewan

Kevin Power is the creator and host of SaskScapes, a series of podcasts devoted to arts, culture and heritage in Saskatchewan.

The Station Arts Centre brings a community together

As the demographics of small town Saskatchewan change in the new millennium, local cultural centres are seeking new ways to engage with their communities. The station Arts Centre in Rosthern is one such centre that is setting a great example.

Culture Days Q & A with the St. Walburg Allied Arts Council

St. Walburg, Saskatchewan was a cultural hotspot during Culture Days in 2013.

Creative Kids and the Potash Corp Challenge

Regina and Saskatoon have officially been challenged. PotashCorp has issued a city-wide challenge to both communities to raise $50,000 each for Creative Kids.

Dream Brokers now connecting kids to culture

It’s no secret that being involved in cultural, sport or recreation activities during childhood can have many benefits. Participation can foster a greater sense of belonging and develop valuable life skills.

Cultural Leadership in Saskatchewan: James Ingold

Maple Creek capitalizing on its cultural roots

A couple of years ago a group of community-minded people gathered in maple Creek for a community planning meeting. Twenty-one citizens representing 13 groups in maple Creek drafted a vision at that meeting.

Community support key to Creative Kids

Only in its first year of operation, Creative Kids has already found success in serving Saskatchewan communities.

Inside the Culture Days movement

The Culture Days Movement in Saskatchewan continued on an upswing in 2011 with the expansion of SaskCulture’s commitment to the Culture Days Animateur program, from one artist in 2010 to four artists this year.

Cultural Leaders in Saskatchewan: Q & A with Renu Kapoor

For Renu Kapoor, it has been a very rewarding experience to be on Multicultural Initiative Fund committee for SaskCulture. It has given me better insight into other ethnic cultures in Saskatchewan.

Who is coming to live in Saskatchewan!

Much of Saskatchewan’s recent growth can be attributed to the record immigration levels over the past few years.

Culture Days... helping communities celebrate culture

This past year, Saskatchewan participated in the first-ever Culture Days celebration that highlighted free, interactive cultural activities from across the country taking place on September 24-26, 2010.

Q & A with Reggie Newkirk - Cultural Leader in Saskatchewan

Culture Days: A Culture Free For All

In Saskatchewan, the idea for a “culture week” or similar awareness campaign had been discussed for a number of years.

Deeper understanding of different value-based needs, key to funding renewal

Learning how to connect to a greater diversity of people and perspectives is key to building a better funding model that will be sustainable into the future.

Increasing learning opportunities for community: New ideas for cultural leaders

These online Lunch and Learn sessions were designed to provide cultural leaders with a quick introduction to emerging topics, along with ideas they could immediately put into practice.

Active engagement in cultural activity benefits youth

Métis Culture Camp builds connections between youth and Elders

Historic Trail Walks share stories from the land

Increasing accessibility in organizations: Partnership helps shift culture around accessibility

Increasing awareness of equity and inclusion: New relationships, wider discussions help eliminate racism and oppression

Increasing effectiveness and sustainability of funding: Funding Program Renewal Project underway

Volunteers Key to 20-Year Old Indigenous Storytelling Series

Volunteerism a Strong Connector in the Ukrainian Community

Volunteers Help Underserved in Saskatoon

Training helps staff become allies in change

Creative Kids benefits from this year’s India Night Gala proceeds

Regina Folk Festival Improves Accessibility with Hearing Loop

Examining Bias First Step in Creating Access

Connections to Others Key to Common Ground

Room for Exploring Cultures Together at the Reading Place

Culture Days 2.0: Public Engagement Amid COVID-19

Culture Threads: Event Sparks Cultural Conversations

Online Band Concerts Keep Music Lovers Engaged

Culture Days Supports Community-Building in Weyburn

Building Community and Sharing Culture Through Art

Report Shows Saskatchewan Citizens Spend Less Time on Leisure and Culture

Culture Days: Creating the Platform to Share Cultures and Engage with Communities

Elbow’s Small Town Charm Big Part of Culture Days

Karon Shmon: ‘I feel like I am innately a teacher’

Orchestras are for Everybody: SOA Moves Forward with Diversity Plans

A World of Diversity on a Small Stage

Successes of the #WelcomeHome150 -

Creating Welcoming and Inclusive Communities project

Working Together to Help Children Access Cultural Activities

Diversity Planning Seeing Results

Spirit Horse Project

Connecting youth to their Indigenous culture

Harvesting the Wind

How the SaskPower Windscape Kite Festival generates imagination on the prairies.

Touring Through a Cultural Landscape

Highway 1 Studio Tour brings local artists out into the limelight

Jo Custead Enjoys Making a Difference

Jo Custead volunteers with a passion. Her volunteering experience has included organizations such as the Persephone Theatre, SaskCulture, Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra and the YWCA Saskatoon.

Culture Days Q & A with the Rivers West District

Shaunna Grandish had the opportunity to interview Bonnie Mills Midgley, community development coordinator, Rivers West District for Sport, Culture and Recreation, about Culture Days and its impact to her community.

Partnerships Help Us Understand the Art

#iheartculture contest winners

Throughout the summer of 2013, SaskCulture ran a social media contest as a part of Culture Days in Saskatchewan asking residents to share what they love about culture by posting their photos, videos, poems or stories.

Culture Days: two years and growing

It only took two years for Culture Days to capture the imagination of people in cities and towns throughout Saskatchewan. Inspired by this success, SaskCulture, along with many community organizers, is eager to keep Culture Days as a focal point for cult

Animateur work gives dancer pride in her province

Creating art is usually a personal experience for an artist. The process of creation usually occurs in studios out of sight, which often results in work that can be shared with the public.

Looking Forward to Culture Days

Now that Culture Days has come and gone for 2011, many organizations have had the chance to reflect on their involvement. The Art Gallery of Swift Current is the one of many cultural organizations that was pleased with the results.

Nature Quest popular with Saskatchewan students

Saskatchewan students are getting back to nature with the help of Nature Saskatchewan’s Nature Quest program.

Culture Days highlights importance of culture to communities

This year, SaskCulture once again spearheaded the Culture Days celebrations in Saskatchewan. Leading up to the Culture Days week, organizers were pleased to see over 160 cultural activities registered, by over 40 communities in the province, into the nat

Northern District highlights artists in new handbook

The Northern Sport, Culture and Recreation District (NSCRD) has developed the Northern Saskatchewan Arts & Culture Handbook, a colourful, 50- page publication, which highlights many of the region’s creative talent.

Sacred site promotes understanding of culture and spirituality

An impeccable view of a peaceful Saskatchewan valley, a white bolder, blue sky and quiet time is all it takes to enjoy the sacred site established in the province through the energies of Multi-Faith Saskatchewan.

Celebrating Culture in Kindersley

Kindersley is taking the lead when it comes to showing off their culture. The town of about 4,400 residents is home to a diverse and talented group of performers, arts and culture supporters, and educators.

Every Community has a Story

Every community, large and small, has a story and cultural assets that help set it apart from those around it.

Uncovering the Cultural Drivers for Saskatoon's Culture Plan

Known for its river, its heritage and its vibrant arts and culture scene, Saskatoon jumped on the opportunity to incorporate its unique culture into a range of different strategic planning priorities.

Launching Creative Kids

Every kid should have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities, but sometimes financial and social barriers stand in their way. The newly developed Creative Kids Program attempts to knock down some of those barriers.