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Nine delegates from Saskatchewan attended the First National Aboriginal Literacy Gathering in May 2000, held in Morley, Alberta, including a learner, several practitioners, an Elder, a member of the National Aboriginal Design Committee, and representatives from both the Saskatchewan Literacy Network and the Department of Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training. There was a great deal of enthusiasm generated during the course of the Gathering and plans for a follow up provincial Aboriginal literacy project began.

The Provincial Aboriginal Literacy Steering Committee secured funding from NLS and worked towards their vision. Within 2 years they achieved two significant goals.

1. They compiled a Directory of Aboriginal Literacy Programs in Saskatchewan for public distribution.

2. They organized and hosted the first Aboriginal Literacy Gathering in May, 2002. As a result of the Gathering, The Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Strategic Plan Report was generated. This document includes input from participants who identified needs, obstacles and strategies for Aboriginal literacy. This document is available, upon request, through the SALN office and on this website.

In addition, the work and dedication of the Steering Committee members led to the development of Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network, a non-profit organization, incorporated November 1, 2002. The organization is governed by a nine member Board of Directors. The Board consists of Elders, a Learner, Metis, First Nations and educational organization representatives.
The office is located at 202 Avenue C South, Saskatoon, SK. A project Director's position was created and staff was hired in March 2003. This organization's intent is to work in collaboration with other organizations and communities to better promote and support Aboriginal literacy.

Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network chose logos that would represent the interconnectedness of Aboriginal peoples of Canada: First Nations, Metis and Inuit.

The pipe is one of the logos. The pipe is sacred to First Nations people and is used in ceremonies to ask the Creator for life and for good things for the people. When the pipe is used in ceremony, it is turned to acknowledge each of the four directions. The smoke from the pipe carries the prayers of the people up to the Creator. The pipe is to be used for spiritual purposes only by the Elders that are used as prayer men in ceremonies or by people who were given to carry the pipes. The pipe is not to be used "for show". It must be respected.
(A Saskatchewan Elder)

The other logo is that of the Metis sash. The Metis sash is a finger woven belt made of wool, approximately three feet long. The main colors of the Metis sash are red, blue, black, white and yellow, all brought together to form a rich tapestry like the lives and culture of the Metis.

Red represents the historical color of the Metis sash,
Blue and white symbolize the Metis Nation flag,
Green signifying fertility, growth and prosperity,
Black symbolizes the dark period.

Thoughout its history, the sash has meant different things to different people. However, no one has celebrated and adopted L'Assomption sash as part of their heritage as have the Metis.

Taking its name from the Quebec town where it was produced, L'Assomption sash was not only functional but colorful and identifiable as Metis apparel. The sash served as a temporary tumpline, key holder, first aid kit, washcloth, towel, and an emergency bridle and saddle blanket. Its' fringed ends could become a sewing kit when the Metis were on a Buffalo hunt.

In the West, the name "L'Assomption sash" gave way to today's term "the Metis sash". The sash was extremely popular among the mixed blood voyageurs and those who settled in the Red River area. Today, the Metis sash continues to be an integral part of Metis cultural celebrations.
(taken from: www.metisnation.org/culture/culture_links/sash.html)

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