The talking circles were made possible through a $20,000 grant. (Facebook/Colin Ratushniak)

By Derek Cornet

cooperation

Mayor hopeful talking circle will lead to friendship agreement

Feb 3, 2022 | 5:00 PM

Leaders in the tri-communities are exploring a possibility to strengthen their bonds.

During the weekend, Air Ronge Mayor Julie Baschuk, La Ronge Mayor Colin Ratushniak and Lac La Ronge Indian Band Coun. Ann Ratt, as well as others, met with facilitators from the provincial government for six hours on both Saturday and Sunday. The goal was to spark initial discussions into matters such as cooperation, communication and asset management.

“An anything-goes type of conversation can happen at those tables, so if there are issues we need to work through or if we can identify better ways to communicate and work together,” Ratushniak said.

He explained the talking circle was initiated by the Ministry of Justice, which approached the tri-communities with a $20,000 grant. The money will be used to pay for facilitators, travel and for a space for everyone to meet.

The grant will also be used to develop a friendship agreement with Air Ronge, La Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band if all three sides determine they want one.

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“North Battleford did an agreement similar to this about four or five years ago and that’s what I would like to see happen,” Ratushniak said. “We’re just in the beginning phase of the conversation and we will see where it goes from here.”

Ratushniak couldn’t release many details about the meeting considering the discussions had needed to be brought up during council meetings at all three communities. He noted, however, building stronger connections and addressing issues from the past will only benefit the residents in the area.

“It can kind of go anywhere,” Ratushniak said. “Through the pandemic, specifically, it’s been a little bit difficult for the different councils to be able to speak with each other.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno