Once a year, the Saskatchewan and Keewatin-Le Pas membership of Development and Peace-Caritas Canada meet as a regional community to celebrate successes in solidarity for this year and be inspired for more to come.

By Michael Leblanc, Development and Peace-Caritas Canada Provincial Animator, Saskatchewan-Keewatin-Le-Pas

Welcome to a recap of Regional Assembly 2025 held April 25-27.

FRIDAY NIGHT – April 25

We read from a brief reflection on Palestine written by Rev. Julie Graham (who many of you met last year at the Regional Assembly in 2024):

Interim Executive Director Luke Stocking gave our Keynote:

Please watch “The Stone Cry Out” for a closer look at the impact of the “Nakba” on Palestinians, particularly Christians: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwRaWhX_rd4.

SATURDAY – April 26

Deacon Harry Lafond opened our sessions on Saturday with a smudge and a prayer to the six directions.

We were also all (yes, everyone) invited to the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation’s Powwow to be held June 27-29.

Hélène Tremblay-Boyko also invited everyone to a special event in May 31st, in Treaty 4 Territory, where a special traditional feast is being offered by the Treaty Land Sharing Network. Details as follows: Download

Prince Albert Bishop Stephen Hero spoke about the power of Restorative Justice:

Rick Block shared updates and stories from the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and Grow Hope Saskatchewan:

Anne-Catherine Kennedy gave us an update on Venezuelan refugees:

She conveyed vitally important information via email to me including:

• Overview on the Darian Gap (general information): Video LINK
• Background on the Crisis in Venezuela: Website LINK
• And a heartbreaking story of one family’s experience of trying to cross the Darian Gap: Video LINK (this one is a tough watch)

Please contact me if you want her full email of resources. Also, a reminder there is always so much info already on our website:

• A news story was released on a joint Canadian Foodgrains bank (since completed): LINK
• You can always look up specific countries. Here is Colombia’s (home to many Venezuelan refugees): LINK

Finally, Lea Mannari, our new Youth Programs Officer, and Sam Medernach, our new Youth Ambassador, gave us an update on all their hard work: PDF

SUNDAY – April 27

Sunday, April 27 started with Malia Chabuga being acclaimed as Southern Saskatchewan’s co-youth representative:

We now have an all-star group of youth leading us here in Saskatchewan!

Secondly, the Animator report was delivered:

Here are the slides to follow along:  PDF.

And to close, Tashia Toupin led a powerful discussion on governance changes and the future of Regional Assemblies:

What a great time to meet and see everyone. Dates for next year will be coming very soon.

More photos:

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