Friends, we cannot be happier to be entering a new year. 2020 represented one of the most complicated years that many of us have ever experienced. In addition to the many friends and loved ones who may have come into contact with Covid19, the inequity in our communities has made the pandemic even more difficult for thousands of our friends, allies, and supporters.
Recognizing the difficulties of 2020, we enter 2021 with a sense of optimism. The news of vaccines against Covid19 comes as welcome relief and notwithstanding the slow distribution of the vaccine by many of our governments, the activism of workers, health professionals, prisoners, and everyday people is forcing governments to respond. Workers are leading demonstrations against unsafe work conditions, prisoners are staging hunger strikes against inhumane and unhealthy conditions in prisons, and everyday people are demanding governments and employers treat us all fairly.
We know that the end of the Covid19 threat will not mean an end to racism, violence against women, employer violence, or government injustice.
With the pandemic persisting, The Stand continues to adapt the ways we support grassroots organizing in Saskatoon. See below for What’s New at The Stand and for Community Events & Campaigns on our radar.
If you like the work we’re doing, please consider these 5 Ways to help The Stand grow so that we can continue supporting grassroots activism here in Saskatoon!
- Become a member of The Stand.
- Check out The Stand’s Group Memberships
- Become a Stand Sustainer Donor
- Make a one time donation
- Follow us on Facebook or Instagram
What’s New at the Stand
NEW – Zoom account available for members
With the move to online meetings and the suspension of The Stand’s meeting room rentals during the pandemic, we created a zoom account to share with members of the stand – both individual members and member groups. Learn more about Zoom sharing on this page.
You can also check out these Tips for Effective & Engaging Online Meetings from Amnesty International.
PPE for Protests still available
Winter usually means fewer rallies and events, but if you are organizing something and need PPE to help keep everyone safe, click here for more info about how we can help.
Call for new board members!
We still have a couple open positions on the board! Email Karissa at board@thestandcentre.ca for details.
ON OUR RADAR – Community Events & Campaigns
Open Letter in Solidarity with Prisoners at the Saskatchewan Correctional Centres
The horrendous health and safety conditions in Saskatchewan’s penetentries has become a province-wide crisis. The Covid19 rates in these institutions have soared while the government has done very little to protect the health and safety of inmates and workers alike. Please consider adding your name to this petition demanding government action to protect the health and safety of inmates and workers.
You can view and sign the petition here.
Racism and Colonial Violence in Archives: Discussing Issues in an Archival Setting
Thursday 28 January 2021, 1:00 pm
As part of the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre’s virtual programming series, The SRSC is presenting a webinar will be a discussion surrounding Racism and Colonial Violence in Archives.
Information about the event can be found here.
Sirocco: Winds of Resistance
Sunday 31 January 2021, 7pm-9pm CST
Please join the Knox Metropolitan United Church in Regina for this virtual event on the human rights crisis in Western Sahara. Information about the event can be found here.
Health & Equity: Making Systems Accountable
Patterns of White Dominance in Health Care with Sharissa Hantke
5 February 2021, 12:30-1:30pm
This session will explore how health, social service, education, justice, and other systems can deepen and broaden their approach to – and ultimately be held accountable for – achieving health equity.
More information about the event can be found here.
Black History in Canada: A Look Back at 400 Years of Black Presence
17 February 2021, 6:00pm
Celebrate Black History Month by looking back at the last 400 years of Black presence in Canada. Join presenter Natasha Henry, the president of the Ontario Black History Society, as she delves into the rich history of Black people in Canada and shares some local stories of Black residents in Caledon, past and present. To register and learn more please visit the following link.
No Cops: Queers x Cops
25 February 2021, 6:00pm
Join a panel discussion organized by CSSDP Ryerson to explore the historical and present relationship between police and Queer people as an institution, the policing of Queer people and bodies that occurs in everyday lives, as well as the ways in which we can continue to resist these institutions and ideologies.
More information can be found here.
Two Spirit 102: Deeper conversations on Identity, Ceremonies, and Resiliency Movements
26 February 2021, 2pm-4pm
Disclaimer: You must have previously attended Two Spirit 101: Histories, Teachings, & Resurgence within the last 2 years before registering for this workshop. In this session, participants will further their foundations of Two Spirit identities, ceremonies, and resiliency movements in Canada by and for Two Spirit peoples. Participants will have the opportunity to explore historical Two Spirit peoples and their roles within their communities.
To learn more visit the following link
Resolving to Do Better in 2021?
Consider investing locally in renewable energy!
Saskatchewan Environmental Society’s (SES) Solar Co-op Ltd. invites you or your group to become a member-owner by buying one or more shares. The Solar Co-op’s share offering is still open during RRSP season! Buying Solar Co-op shares as RRSPs might interest you. Also, existing self-directed RRSPs can be transferred into Solar Co-op shares, without attracting income tax.
Learn more about the SES Solar Cooperative and how to buy shares here or contact Jeff at (306) 227-5732.