Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan :

Through the Re-igniting Sacred Fires Project, AFCS is partnering with Iskwewuk E-wichiwitochik are partnering to bring together survivors and families of MMIWG2S+ to honour and pay tribute to their loved ones. Our initiative is to create a commemorative Starblanket that will incorporate a story for each square in the star. Alongside the Starblanket we will be creating a commemorative coloring book that will bring awareness and showcase safety measures to help keep our Indigenous woman, youth and 2SLGBTQ+ safe. 

We welcome you to join us on one of four sessions to create indiviual squares which will be weaved together with the help of Starblanket makers and Knowledge Keepers. As we come together to create a commemorative piece, the medicines of stories and memories will fill the blanket with messages of hope and healing. 

The Starblanket will be kept at the AFCS office in Saskatoon and will be made available to attend journies of healing such as walks, ceremonies, feasts and round dances. 

This project will take place in the four steps: 

1. Registering families and survivors who would like to attend 1 of 4 sessions. 

2. Come together in a session where all materials and supplies will be provided to share messages of hope, healing and memories and use art as a way of healing when creating squares. Starblanket makers, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and mental health supports will be also attending all four sessions. 

3. Allow time for the Starblanket makers to finish the Starblanket. 

4. Host a naming ceremony to bring to life the healing intent of the Starblanket. 

To learn more, Contact Linda Johnson (Program Manager) at 306-955-0762 or by email at lj******@af**.ca.