Jan. 29th, 2018

MEDIA RELEASE: Indigenous and newcomer communities gather in Saskatoon for reconciliation, Feb 1-2

**KAIROS’ Indigenous and Newcomer Friendships launches in Western Canada**

(Saskatoon, SK) – KAIROS Canada, in partnership with local organizations, is launching two Indigenous and Newcomer Friendships for a Just and Inclusive Community reconciliation events on February 1 and 2 in Saskatoon. These events will bring together local Indigenous, immigrant and migrant communities to explore opportunities, challenges and recommendations for building relationships during this time of reconciliation.

WHAT: Community Cafe
Local storytellers speak on their identity, their relationship with Canada, and what reconciliation means to them. Participants are asked to register at: www.picatic.com/SIAevent15156168707422

BROADCAST OPPORTUNITY

WHEN: Thursday, February 1 – 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Saskatchewan Intercultural Association, 601b 1st Ave N, Saskatoon

SPOKESPEOPLE: Jean Goerzen, Acting Executive Director, Saskatchewan Intercultural Association;
Alfredo Barahona, Indigenous, Migrant & Network Relations Coordinator, KAIROS Canada

WHAT: Sharing Our Common Ground
Newcomer and Indigenous communities share experiences and make connections through the KAIROS Blanket Exercise and group discussion. This event is hosted by the Saskatoon Open Door Society with funding from the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan.

PHOTO and BROADCAST OPPORTUNITY – 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m

WHEN: Friday, February 2 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Saskatoon Indian & Metis Friendship Centre, 168 Wall Street, Saskatoon

SPOKESPEOPLE Ali Abukar, Executive Director, Saskatoon Open Door Society;
Alfredo Barahona, Indigenous, Migrant & Network Relations Coordinator, KAIROS Canada

KAIROS has partnered with the following organizations to help bring together Indigenous and newcomer communities: City of Saskatoon, International Women of Saskatoon, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, Newcomer Information Centre, Saskatchewan Intercultural Association, Saskatoon Open Door Society, Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, Saskatoon Police Service and the Global Gathering Place. Indigenous and Newcomer Friendships is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

KAIROS is also planning Indigenous and Newcomer Friendships events in Thunder Bay, Winnipeg and Edmonton in February and March. The first event occurred on October 28, 2017 in Fredericton.

“Reconciliation and Canada itself will be strengthened by building relationships of respect and solidarity between Indigenous peoples and newcomers,” says Alfredo Barahona, Indigenous, Migrant & Network Relations Coordinator, KAIROS Canada. “KAIROS’ Friendship events are designed to start important conversations, and foster connections that will lead to lifelong friendships and more inclusive communities.”

About KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives

KAIROS is a faith-based social justice organization of ten Canadian churches and religious organizations. It focuses on Indigenous rights, international human rights and ecological justice. We deliberate on issues of common concern, advocate for social change and join with people of faith and goodwill in action for social transformation. Learn more: www.kairoscanada.org.