Send us a text

Hello Dear Listeners,

IN this week's episode we were sharing our observations as our PM Carney was meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office for a second time (round two). It was both distracting and amusing to have their meeting playing in the background ... we did our best capturing first reactions in real time, discussing the political signals, the economic undertones, and what this encounter might mean for Canada–U.S. relations moving forward.

From there, we shifted and move in news from closer to home aka Saskatoon, digging into civic stories shaping daily life in Saskatoon:

• Bus Fares & Transit – What fare changes mean for equity, affordability, and the city’s long-term transit goals.
• Homelessness & the Latest Counts – Talking about recent campaigns to bring awareness to this issue and what the new point in time count may reveal; and,
• Local Civic Updates – A roundup of neighbourhood planning, safety discussions, and the everyday issues that matter to residents.

As always, Civically Speaking connects the dots between the global stage and our own civic backyard — capturing the big stories as they happen, while staying grounded in the realities at home.

Civically Speaking,

Lenore and Christina

Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

Send us a text

Dear Listeners,

Thanks for tuning in and supporting CFCR.ca 90.5 FM in Saskatoon and shows like this. These episodes carry forward, and in this special case, a day ahead, local learnings and sharing of news and stories of interest. Regrets from Christina.

In this two part episode, part one, we explore the foundations of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. What was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)? Why was it created, and what did it reveal about the residential school system? This episode traces the TRC’s mandate, its six-volume Final Report, and its 94 Calls to Action. Listeners will hear why reconciliation matters, how the legacy of residential schools continues today, and what the TRC gave to Canada: the truth, entrusted by Survivors.

Ten years after the TRC’s Final Report, progress is slow. Survivors and allies call on all Canadians to make reconciliation more than symbolic. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding, accountability, and action.

In Part Two , we go deeper into the 94 Calls to Action. What has Canada achieved? Where is progress stalled? And what does reconciliation look like in cities, communities, and workplaces?

This part covers ten priority areas — from child welfare and education to justice, health, language, and economic reconciliation. Listeners will hear about national developments, such as the creation of the National Council for Reconciliation, and local examples from Saskatoon and Saskatchewan, including Treaty education, Indigenous procurement, and the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation.

The episode also explores the role of museums and arts, newcomers and citizenship, and practical ways each of us can live reconciliation in our daily lives. Survivors gave us the truth; now we must act.

Key Reports & Resources

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – Final Report (2015)
  Read the TRC Report & Calls to Action
  The Survivors Speak – testimony volume.
• What We Have Learned: Principles of Truth and Reconciliation – TRC summary report.
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) – archives, records, and ongoing reporting.Visit. the NCTR
  Yellowhead Institute – Annual Calls to Action Accountability Reports
  Assembly of First Nations – TRC Report Cards
  
  

Saskatchewan Context

• Treaty 6 Territory & Homeland of the Métis: signed in 1876 at Fort Carlton and Fort Pitt. Treaty 6 is notable for its “medicine chest” and “famine and pestilence” clauses.
• Local community actions:
  • Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation (Saskatoon).
  • Cultural planning projects in Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Prince Albert.
  • Education initiatives where Treaty learning is embedded in classrooms.

Quotes to Reflect On

• “Reconciliation is not an Aboriginal problem. It is a Canadian one. It requires all of us.” – TRC Final Report
• “Education got us into this mess, and education will get us out of it.” – Senator Murray Sinclair

How You Can Engage After Listening

• Read the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action and choose one to act on this year.
• Learn about the Treaty you live on — in Saskatchewan, Treaty 6 and Treaty 4 are most common.
• Support Survivors and their families by attending Sept 30th events and listening with respect.
• Explore the NCTR’s online archives to deepen your knowledge.
• Begin conversations in your family, workplace, or classroom about reconciliation as a shared responsibility.

Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

Send us a text

Dear Listeners,

On this week’s Civically Speaking, I’m joined by return panel guests Dr. Tom Wolf and Gordon Androsoff. We celebrate Gordon as he leaves Saskatoon for a new chapter in his career—sad to see him go, but excited for his next role, equivalent to his work as Executive Director of CHEP here at home. Tom, as a close friend and colleague, helps send him off with warmth and insight. From there, we dive into timely conversations about the state of agriculture, food systems, and what lies ahead.

Tune in and join the conversation!

And don’t forget to support our annual fundraising campaign — FM-PHASIS at cfcr.ca

Civically Speaking,

Lenore Swystun with Christina Cherneskey (away this week)

#CivicallySpeaking #Saskatoon #CommunityRadio #Agriculture #FoodSystems #CHEP #LocalVoices #CFCR

Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.