Dayagen Togada Mani: 10 Years of Action Supporting Truth and Reconciliation in Saskatchewan
As Canada marks 10 years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its final report and 94 Calls to Action, the Government of Saskatchewan is sharing a cross-government publication, “Dayagen Togada Mani: 10 Years of Action Supporting Truth and Reconciliation in Saskatchewan.” The document highlights the work of ministries, Crown corporations and agencies responding to the Calls to Action and advancing reconciliation in partnership with First Nations and Métis communities.
The document brings together examples of work including initiatives in education, health, justice, economic development, cultural recognition and community partnerships.
Reflection and Responsibility
The TRC was established in 2008 through a legal settlement involving Residential School Survivors, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit representatives and the parties responsible for the creation and operation of the schools. Its mandate was to inform Canadians about what happened in residential schools and document truths shared by Survivors, their families and communities. The TRC concluded its mandate in 2015 and the Calls to Action were grouped under themes and directed to governments and sectors across Canada.
In Saskatchewan, former Premier Brad Wall stated the provincial government’s commitment to reconciliation and the creation of a multi-ministry team to examine the TRC report, build on successes and adopt practical solutions to address the legacy of residential schools.
A Decade of Progress
In 2025, the 10-year anniversary of the report provided an opportunity to bring those efforts together in a publication that offers a clear, high-level overview of progress across government. Organized by the themes of the Calls to Action, Dayagen Togada Mani highlights examples across areas such as education, health, justice, child welfare, economic development, cultural recognition and community partnerships, helping Saskatchewan residents understand both the work completed to date and the efforts underway.
A Title Grounded in Respect
Guided by the TRC’s 10 Principles of Reconciliation, especially Principle 7 which recognizes that the perspectives of First Nations and Métis Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers are essential to long-term reconciliation, Elders were consulted to share the report and seek their guidance on an appropriate title. The Elders gifted the name, explaining that in Nakota it means “moving ahead in a good way.” They also encouraged reflection on Saskatchewan’s reconciliation work through a forward-looking lens focused on where we are going together, not only where we have been.
Partnership in Practice
The publication highlights reconciliation that is shaped by communities, guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and carried forward by the next generation. For example, it highlights a story from Chief Long Lodge Education Centre, where former Program Coordinator Jan Thomson describes how cultural learning and identity strengthen families and future leaders. Thomson emphasized pride, belonging and forward movement, saying “We all have to know who we are and where we come from. That is a must. Nurturing Family Foundations Through Culture and Identity project gave our students an opportunity to learn that and be proud of the generations that came before them, and now, to move forward in a good way. That is reconciliation.”
In education, the publication highlights “Following Their Voices,” a made-in-Saskatchewan initiative developed through research and engagement with Indigenous students, families, educators and school administrators, alongside guidance from Elders and Knowledge Keepers representing Indigenous language groups in the province. The publication reports improved outcomes over time including an increase in Indigenous students graduating within three years from 32 per cent to 45 per cent, representing 220 more Indigenous students graduating within three years than a decade ago.
That same spirit of connection and leadership is reflected in youth wellness. In 2022, more than 65 Indigenous youth gathered at Gillis Lake for the inaugural Boston Bear Youth Mental Health Camp a land-based program inspired by Boston Bear from Ochapowace First Nation, created from his own lived experience. The camp combined cultural teachings, traditional knowledge and open conversations about mental health with opportunities for youth to connect with Elders and Knowledge Keepers and build supportive peer relationships.
Across these examples and many others, the publication points to a shared truth: reconciliation is advanced through relationships, respectful collaboration and sustained action.
“This publication reflects a government-wide effort to share meaningful examples of actions taken over the past 10 years in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action,” Assistant Deputy Minister for First Nations, Métis and Northern Relations, Susan Carani said. “It supports public understanding of the work underway and reinforces that reconciliation is a shared, ongoing responsibility grounded in partnership with First Nations and Métis communities and a commitment to keep moving forward.”
Looking ahead
By presenting this 10 year review of highlighted actions, the Government of Saskatchewan acknowledges the work undertaken to date and reaffirms its commitment to reconciliation. The publication is intended to inform, support and encourage continued action on the path of truth and reconciliation in Saskatchewan. The document was posted on December 15, 2025, and can be found at saskatchewan.ca.