Exploring Unity and Reconciliation: Miyo-wāhkōhtowin / Good Relations Project Tour

Join us today at 1:30 PM at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area meet up at parking area P2 (The South West OLRA) for an immersive journey of unity and enlightenment as we embark on the Miyo-wāhkōhtowin / Good Relations Project QR Tour. This transformative experience offers a unique opportunity to bridge cultures through the land, fostering deeper connections and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The walk will take about 1.5 hours and be along a trail about 1.5 km in length

Guided by the philosophy of Two-Eyed Seeing, we embark on a collaborative adventure that blends Indigenous traditional wisdom with mainstream scientific perspectives. Through this lens, we aim to embrace the teachings of the land and unite in a reconciliation journey that honors the past, celebrates the present, and embraces the future.

The Miyo-wāhkōhtowin / Good Relations Project QR Tour is more than just a walk through nature; it’s a commitment to mend and nurture relationships while honoring the healing power of reconnecting with the land. As Friends of Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc., we are deeply committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, and this tour reflects our dedication to honoring Indigenous knowledge and fostering meaningful dialogue.

During the tour, participants will have the opportunity to explore the historically significant Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and George Genereux Urban Regional Park. These culturally sacred spaces serve as the backdrop for our journey of understanding and appreciation.

As we walk, we’ll engage in discussions about the ecological and cultural significance of the land, guided by the insights of Elders and survivors. Through storytelling and reflection, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings and our responsibility to protect and preserve our natural environment.

The Miyo-wāhkōhtowin / Good Relations Project Tour is part of a broader initiative to bridge the gap between Indigenous and settler communities, integrating Indigenous knowledge and languages into our urban forest spaces. It’s a step towards building respectful and inclusive relationships that honor the land and its teachings.

Join us today at 1:30 PM Saturday March 30 at Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area for this transformative journey of unity and reconciliation. Together, let’s embrace the wisdom of the land and work towards a future of harmony and understanding.

Read More Benefits to involving diverse cultural perspectives in projects

Sask Culture Engage Project creates understanding about Indigenous teachings from the land

#MiyoWāhkōhtowin #GoodRelations #ReconciliationJourney #TwoEyedSeeing #IndigenousWisdom #CulturalHeritage #TruthAndReconciliation #AfforestationAreas #Saskatoon #Unity #Respect #Nature #CommunityEngagement #HealingJourney

Snow animal track

For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park

For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

For more information:

Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits

NEW P4G District Official Community Plan

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′

Addresses:

Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A

Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A

S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A

NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063

Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot

Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com

Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map

Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Blogger: FriendsAfforestation

Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park

Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area

Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West OLRA

Reddit: FriendsAfforestation

Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas

Mix: friendsareas

YouTube

Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )

Donate your old vehicle, here’s how!  

Support using Canada Helps

Support via a recycling bottle donation

United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

• Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity 
• Make it your own
• Spread the word about the UN Decade 
• Let’s Bring Back Forests
• Let’s Green Our Cities

““Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”

Richard St. Barbe Baker

Green Horizon: Saskatoon’s Groundbreaking Climate Action Budget

Grasp Your Pen! Saskatoon’s First Climate Action Budget Calls for Your Support

In the face of pressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, Saskatoon stands at a critical crossroads. The upcoming 2024-2025 City Budget represents a watershed moment—a chance for the city to embrace sustainable practices and forge a resilient future. This budget is not just a financial plan; it’s a statement of commitment to environmental stewardship. Now, more than ever, your voice can shape Saskatoon’s destiny.

A Call to Action

As Saskatoon approaches the culmination of the 2024-2025 Multi-Year Business Plan & Budget, it’s time for residents to rally for a sustainable future. The Sustainability Department, along with environmental advocates, is pushing for a historic budget transformation that prioritizes climate action and sustainability. Your involvement is pivotal—let your voice be heard!

Saskatoon Rising: Join the Climate Action Movement

We invite you to write a letter to the City Council expressing your support for sustainability initiatives, climate action, and a cleaner Saskatoon. Stand shoulder to shoulder with the Sustainability Department and be part of this transformative moment. Saskatoon Rising is not just a hashtag; it’s a collective call for a city-wide commitment to combat climate change.

Act Now!

Arrange to submit your letter or speak before the City Council by November 27, 5 p.m. Your proactive engagement can help shape a future where Saskatoon becomes a beacon of environmental responsibility. Let’s seize this opportunity to create a Saskatoon that leads in fostering a healthier planet.

Final Budget Review: A Chance to Participate

City Council will meticulously review budget line options during the final budget review scheduled for November 28 – 30, 2023. This is the moment to stand with your neighbors at City Hall and advocate for a budget that reflects our collective commitment to sustainability.

Proposed Environmental Actions Need Your Support

Several environmentally impactful options have been proposed for the trimming the budget, including tree-related initiatives like Reduced Tree Planting (Option 7) and Extension of Tree Pruning Cycle (Option 8). Let us now see these options being cut for the next two years, let’s protect our trees and urban tree canopy! Out of the ten options, only four have been recommended and approved by the City of Saskatoon Council. For full details of potential cuts to the City of Saskatoon’s actions

Recommended Options That have been Cut

1. Option 1 – Closure of East Compost Depot
2. Option 2 – Adjust Operating Hours at Landfill and Material Recovery Centre
3. Option 3 – Eliminate Skunk Inspection, Trapping, and Relocation Services for Private Residential Properties
4. Option 4 – Reduce Mosquito Control Treatment Area

Your Letter Can Make a Difference

Support the environmental actions proposed, especially Option 7 – Reduced Tree Planting and Option 8 – Extension of Tree Pruning Cycle. Your letter can influence the decision to protect Saskatoon’s urban canopy and promote green initiatives in the face of biodiversity loss and climate change.

These are other environmental proposals which may be cut from action. Do you want to say good bye to these options over the next two years?

Option 1 – Closure of East Compost Depot
Option 2 – Adjust Operating hours at Landfill and Material Recovery Centre
Option 3 – Eliminate Skunk Inspection, Trapping and Relocation Services for Private Residential Properties
Option 4 – Reduce Mosquito Control Treatment Area
Option 5 – Discontinue Christmas Tree Drop-off Sites
Option 6 – Further adjustments to Operating hours at Landfill and Material Recovery Centre
Option 7 – Reduced Tree Planting
Option 8 – Extension of Tree Pruning Cycle
Option 9 – Eliminate GHG Management Software
Option 10 – Eliminate Healthy Yards and Boulevards Garden Program Advertising and Support
Option 11 – End Student Action for a Sustainable Future program contribution

Governance and Priorities Committee Recommendation

The Governance and Priorities Committee recommends including the aforementioned options in the 2024/2025 Preliminary Business Plan and Budget. These options signify a commitment to sustainability and a step towards a greener Saskatoon.

Let’s join hands, Saskatoon! This is our moment to contribute to a resilient, biodiverse, and cleaner city. Act now, write your letter, and be a part of Saskatoon’s journey towards a sustainable future! #SaskatoonRising #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture

Saskatoon’s climate budget and what it could mean for residents

Saskatoon’s first climate budget to be previewed next week

Saskatoon City Council presents first budget directed towards climate initiatives

Benefits of trees and afforestation

For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
YouTube
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
Make it your own
Spread the word about the UN Decade
Let’s Bring Back Forests
Let’s Green Our Cities
“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker