An Indigenous peacekeepers pilot program is set to launch in Saskatoon next week, but many details about its implementation remain unresolved. The initiative, which aims to provide a culturally-sensitive approach to supporting vulnerable individuals, was discussed during a recent city council meeting on community safety.
Program Overview
The program, known as Sawēyihtotān, was proposed by Mayor Cynthia Block in September as an alternative response to monitoring city buses and downtown streets. It is designed to complement the work of Fire Community Support workers and other existing services. The peacekeepers will focus on building relationships, de-escalation, and connecting individuals to housing, medical, or addiction services.
Temporary Patrols in Place
Pamela Goulden McLeod, Saskatoon's director of emergency management, confirmed that temporary community patrols will be deployed because the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC), which operates the program, could not finalize arrangements in time. However, neither the city nor STC has provided specifics on where these patrols will operate, stating that more information will be released next week.
Culturally-Sensitive Approach
The peacekeepers are expected to employ a compassionate, relationship-based approach similar to that of Sawēyihtotān support workers already active in the city. CUMFI President Shirley Isbister praised these workers for their effectiveness, recounting an incident where a worker calmly de-escalated a disturbance by gently guiding an individual away from a crowd.
STC Chief Mark Arcand emphasized the program's focus on de-escalation and harm reduction, noting that workers are trained by the Saskatoon Police Service and equipped to administer naloxone. "We're dealing with people that are in psychosis," Arcand said, highlighting the need for specialized support.
Funding and Implementation
The pilot program was approved during the city's November budget discussions, with a $300,000 budget covering staffing, resources, and administration. This includes funding for four peacekeepers working 12-hour shifts daily. The program is intended as an alternative to enforcement, with the Saskatoon Police Service hoping to integrate it into the city's broader security framework alongside Fire Community Support and Alternative Response Officers.
As the program begins, questions remain about its long-term scope and effectiveness. However, city officials and community leaders are optimistic that it will provide much-needed support to Saskatoon's most vulnerable residents.
