The demographics of Saskatchewan are changing, and SaskCulture has been touring the province to gauge the impact of these changes. Dean Kush, assistant general manager at SaskCulture was in Yorkton as part of the tour, which gathers people from the community to talk about multi-culturalism and what's going on in their part of the province.
The two big changes noted in Saskatchewan's culture have been an influx of newcomers from around the world, as well as a growing First Nations and aboriginal community. Kush says the changing demographics requires SaskCulture to react and take a closer look at what's happening, as well as to see what can be done to respond to the new environment.
"What people are saying is that we want to be inclusive, but we want to make sure that we are responding to all people who want to join our organization and be part of it, but that we're doing it in a respectful manner and building toward our future," he says.
The goal for the consultations is to ensure SaskCulture and its members are serving all of the province's residents, and getting everyone interacting. Kush says it's about more than celebrating people's cultural identity, but building community.
"We support through our funding ethno-cultural celebration, that's essential. That's about your heritage, preserving and knowing who you are and sharing that with people. But there's always that idea of inter-culturalism, which is about exchanging ideas and having conversations. That often reduces barriers, reduces stereotypes, and in that reduction of stereotypes people become friends."
The tour will travel to each district for sport culture and recreation in the province, and Kush says that trying to connect with as many people as possible is a necessary component of the program, from as many regions and demographics as possible in the province.
"You have to hear from boots on the ground, people who are working in the community who are cultural workers or community workers, you need to know what they're saying and what they're thinking, because we cannot cater to one voice, we need to go to every corner of the province."
