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The Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) hosted a walk to support Truth and Reconciliation and the homeless on Thursday,
Around 100 people gathered at City Hall holding signs that read “Homeless does not mean worthless” and “Homeless life matters.”
Tribal Chief Mark Arcand told reporters it’s important to create awareness and educate people about homelessness in not just Saskatoon but the country.
Bert Nawakayas said he was walking to support those experiencing homelessness, and expressed the importance of being kind.
“We’re helping the people that don’t have a voice have a voice by speaking up for them to say they need supports,” Arcand said, adding the tribal council is doing just that.
Around 100 people met on Thursday to walk for the homeless. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)
In October, the provincial government announced a $40-million plan aimed at addressing homelessness. The STC has taken steps of its own, including opening an emergency wellness centre in the city.
The STC had a shelter downtown on First Avenue before moving into the Fairhaven neighbourhood.
Arcand said that centre houses families, with 10 families and 30 children currently calling it home. He added the facility has services like paramedics and social services.
“We’re making a difference, and I think people have to embrace that instead of trying to shut us down,” he said.
Some residents of the neighbourhood have called for the shelter to be shuttered, with safety among the concerns. In February, Pastor Robert Pearce wrote a social media post demanding the wellness centre be closed after he alleged someone attacked him.
On Thursday, as participants in the walk neared the emergency shelter, they were welcomed with signs from a number of concerned Fairhaven residents that read “Standing up for Safety” and “Now our parks are unsafe.”
Fairhaven residents hold signs in front of the emergency wellness centre. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)
Penny Fentiman, a resident of Montgomery Place, explained that in addition to support for the homeless, she also wants to see a safe neighbourhood.
She expressed concerns for children’s safety when going to parks, concerns of trespassing and other crimes.
“I’ve had someone walk into my house in the middle of the day,” she said.
Fentiman said she wants to see more mental health and addictions support for homeless individuals, and she wants to see that action from the province.
Gale Degenhardt, another Fairhaven resident, said she was there to welcome those walking and thank them for shining a light on the homelessness issue.
But she also echoed concerns of crime in the area and that more help addressing these issues should come from government.
Arcand acknowledged there is a crime problem in the Fairhaven area, and said he is open to Saskatoon police having an office in the building to help the neighbourhood deal with the crime.
Arcand’s response to those opposed to the Fairhaven shelter is to visit the centre and see the work that’s being done there.
“There’s a need for this, and if people disagree, they’ve got to live with themselves,” Arcand said.
The tribal chief said negotiations for another contract with the province are going well as the deadline of April 1 approaches.
He said the province and some private donors made investments in the STC’s campaign, and he also wants to see financial aid from the federal government.
Fairhaven residents stand outside the emergency wellness centre on Thursday. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)