In this bonus episode of MuniCast we speak with Cody Demerais, the MC for the upcoming 2024 SUMA Convention and Tradeshow in Regina.

Cody Demerais is an award-winning Métis author, speaker, life coach, and entrepreneur. Cody is a successful leader who was born and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and now delivers inspirational and motivational talks on his past so others don’t have to learn the hard way as he did. During Cody’s keynote presentation at Convention 2023, he shared his impactful story of struggle and resilience through intense substance abuse issues, as well as issues with anger and depression that led to a life-altering car crash. SUMA looks forward to welcoming him back as the Convention 2024 MC.

In this episode we discuss what inspired Cody to say "yes" to the role of the 2024 Convention MC, how his outlook on life, and experiences as a motivational speaker, workshop facilitator, entrepreneur, and life coach will support him in this role.

In this bonus episode of MuniCast we speak with David Coletto, the keynote speaker for the upcoming 2024 SUMA Convention and Tradeshow in Regina.

David Coletto is the Chair, CEO and founder of Abacus Data, a full-service market research and strategy firm based in Ottawa and Toronto. David and his partners founded Abacus 13 years ago and since then it has grown into one of Canada's most respected market research firms.

In Episode 6 we speak with Cadmus Delorme and Thomas Benjoe of OneHoop about economic reconciliation, building relationships, and engaging with indigenous owned businesses.

OneHoop is a groundbreaking consulting firm that proudly embraces its Indigenous heritage. OneHoop aims to advance Canadians’ understanding of economic reconciliation and support meaningful relationship-building between the corporate sector, governments and the Indigenous community. Founded by Cadmus Delorme, former Chief of Cowessess First Nation, OneHoop’s unique perspective guides their approach to the firm’s three core pillars:

In Episode 4 SUMA's Northern Regional Director and Councillor for the Northern Village of Île-à-la-Crosse, Gerald Roy, joins us for a conversation on Reconciliation and Governance. We discuss the value of engaging with first nations communities, economic growth in the north, and the value of municipalities engaging in acts of reconciliation.

Gerald was born and raised in the historic Métis community of Île-à-la-Crosse and is a lifelong resident of Saskatchewan’s North.

In season 5 of MuniCast we are discussing how truth and reconciliation relates to municipalities.

In this episode we are joined by Kevin Harris, Account Executive - Indigenous Business Market with SaskTel to learn about how SaskTel is connecting communities throughout Saskatchewan, and the value of partnering with Indigenous led organizations.

Kevin is a settler in the Treaty 4 area where he and his family live, learn and work and has been employed with SaskTel for the past 42 years, much of that time as an Account Executive in the Financial Services Sector, and for the last 8 years as an Account Executive with the Indigenous Business Development Team.

Kevin’s journey into understanding Truth and Reconciliation began about 24 years ago when as a family they became foster parents. Kevin and Lori-Lee are very proud parents of two Indigenous children who are now adults and are active in connecting and celebrating with them their culture, ceremonies and communities. The work that Kevin does with the Indigenous communities and the personal life they lead are interconnected and intersect

Learn more about SaskTel's indigenous engagement here: https://www.sasktel.com/about-us/Community/Indigenous+Engagement

In season 5 of MuniCast we are discussing how truth and reconciliation relates to municipalities.

Rhett Sangster works with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, coordinating efforts to engage both the public and community leaders on the nature of reconciliation in Saskatchewan. This process aims to work with as many partners as possible to identify shared priorities and a broadly-owned vision for the future.

Shaid Heimbecker is a member of the Muskoday First Nation on Treaty 6 territory. She was eager to learn about the Treaties, Canada’s history and the importance of her culture when she was in her adolescence and had the opportunity to work casually for the OTC from 2010 to 2015. Her return at the OTC in fall of 2021 has allowed her the opportunity of gaining a deeper understanding of Treaties and the history of Canada as well as her own culture, all of which she is passionate about. She is working with the Reconciliation team in the Truth and Reconciliation through Treaty Implementation(TRTI) Department, helping guide organizations on building an action plan for their reconciliation journey.

Learn more about the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and how your municipality can work with Reconciliation Saskatchewan at http://www.otc.ca/pages/reconciliation_saskatchewan.html

In season 5 of MuniCast we are discussing how truth and reconciliation relates to municipalities. Episode 1: Truth, Law, and Reconciliation with John Stefaniuk K.C. outlines the calls that apply directly to municipal governments, and John discusses what that means for municipalities of all sizes, and how municipalities can uphold their responsibilities to work towards reconciliation.

Access the resources discussed in this episode:

Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Stronger Together Toolkit

Association of Municipalities Ontario

Resources on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action Toolkit

Indigenous-Municipal Relationship Agreements: A Guide for Municipal Leaders

What Municipal Leaders Can Do To Better Support Indigenous Residents And Neighbours At This Time

Alberta Municipalities

A Municipal Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action

Documentary Film (Saskatchewan)

Reserve 107

In this episode we speak with University of Regina (UofR) researcher, Iryna Khovrenkov, the Executive Director of the Community Initiatives Fund, Tracey Mann and the CEO of Heritage Saskatchewan, Ingrid Cazakoff about the Wellbeing in Policy project, and their findings following a province-wide survey of Saskatchewan municipalities on mental health, culture, municipal economics, and environmental well-being. Tune in as we discuss how these important themes fit in with municipal planning and budgeting.

SaskTel is a regular participant in the Tradeshow at SUMA’s Annual Convention and they value the opportunity to connect with SUMA members. Randy Palazzo, Business Development Manager, Business Sales and Solutions, SaskTel joins us to discuss the efforts SaskTel has been making to engage with communities of all sizes, share their approach to innovation and discuss the value of participating in the annual SUMA Convention and Tradeshow.

Season 4 of MuniCast is sponsored by SaskTel.