Introduction of Guests (7 May 2025)

From Hansard 7 May 2025)

 

Saskatoon Tribal Council Delegation; Square One Community Delegation

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. And to you and through you, I’d like to welcome and introduce some individuals from the Saskatoon Tribal Council this afternoon.

Up in the west gallery in the very back row, I’m pleased to introduce Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, Mona Mcleod, Saraih-Dawn Matthews, and Shantelle Watson. And I’m also going to take a few minutes to individually acknowledge them and some of their accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, it’s an honour to introduce Tribal Chief Mark Arcand of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, who is currently serving his third term as tribal chief of the Saskatoon Tribal Council. Chief Arcand’s leadership has been instrumental in addressing homelessness, expanding youth programs, and building strong partnerships with government and community, including leading the creation of the STC [Saskatoon Tribal Council] Emergency Wellness Centre to support individuals who are facing homelessness in Saskatoon.

Mr. Speaker, Mona Mcleod, a support worker with STC’s sawêyihtotân outreach team. Mona’s journey from addiction to homelessness to recovery is a testament of personal strength and power of community support. Today she helps others facing similar struggles and is here today with her daughters Katasha and Denisha.

Mr. Speaker, Saraih-Dawn Matthews is a program manager for STC’s sawêyihtotân program. Saraih-Dawn brings a wealth of lived experience and compassion to her leadership role, focusing on providing culturally safe care and support for individuals facing mental health, addiction, and housing challenges.

Shantelle Watson is the chief executive officer of STC with over 25 years of leadership experience. Shantelle has been instrumental in building educational, technological, and economic opportunities for First Nations communities.

Mr. Speaker, these individuals do extremely important work in Saskatoon and for Saskatoon, and I look forward to highlighting more of this in an upcoming member’s statement. Please join me in welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly.

And, Mr. Speaker, while I’m on my feet, I’d like to welcome and introduce some guests in your gallery this afternoon, representing the Square One Community, an organization dedicated to supporting those experiencing homelessness in Moose Jaw. Della Ferguson is board Chair and has dedicated 38 years to the human service sector and is a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness. She has been instrumental in the development of the Square One Community and is a founding board member.

Maxton Eckstein is general manager and has 10 years of experience in social services, specializing in supporting individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. He has played a key role in establishing Square One’s supportive housing program and currently chairs the social housing advisory committee.

Tori Gibson is an intensive case manager and has extensive experience working with the chronically homeless population, having previously worked with Regina’s New Beginnings shelter and Creative Options Regina. She provides essential housing and support services to Moose Jaw’s most vulnerable.

Tiara Wolff is also an intensive case manager and is a recent addition to Square One’s team. She brings valuable experience from Regina’s Street Culture Project and Phoenix Residential homes program where she supported individuals facing homelessness.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all members join me in welcoming these dedicated individuals to their Legislative Assembly today.

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