Inclusion is not just the smart thing to do; it is also the right thing to do. Excluding members of society from full participation due to prejudice, discrimination or other barriers causes everyone to suffer. Inclusive societies that take full advantage of their diversity are more innovative, creative, dynamic, resilient and prosperous.
Resources to understand and support cultural diversity, including the health and well-being of newcomer / immigrant students.
Resources to understand and support gender and sexual diversity, including an online educator resource to assist in the provision of an inclusive learning environment.
The Circle of Courage is a program based on the Medicine Wheel that integrates traditional Aboriginal ways of knowing, community values, and development. It teaches the importance of four needs for healthy growth and development: Spirit of Belonging, Spirit of Mastery, Spirit of Independence, and Spirit of Generosity. One example can be found from the Government of Manitoba.
A provincial not-for-profit, non-governmental agency that works to ensure ethnocultural survival, strength and prominence, and foster opportunities for cross-cultural interaction. The website includes resources for celebrating Multi-Cultural Week and access to an education coordinator who provides training and education activities on cultural diversity, intercultural communications, anti-racism, and equality. The website also lists anti-racist, multicultural, Indigenous, and newcomer settlement and integration organizations.
A health promotion resource for children and youth new to Canada, including a focus on adolescent health, with a list of community resources in Saskatchewan for immigrant and refugee youth.
An online professional learning resource intended for all school division staff. It is intended to develop a deeper understanding of gender and sexual diversity and to assist staff in providing safe, equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students. The resource includes a number of appendices, such as curriculum outcomes and discussion questions for school-based administrators. It is also available in French.
Information and resources on how to create a Safe Space for students who feel unwelcome or unsafe based on their sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, gender identity or expression, cultural background, religious affiliation, physical or mental ability, age, and/or sex. Safe Spaces are often denoted by a sticker.
OUTSaskatoon also offers classroom presentations to help address homophobia, transphobia, and other issues that impact LGBTQ2S students.
OUTSaskatoon also offers peer support over the phone or in person during office hours, as well as evenings and Saturdays.
fYrefly in Schools is a program that aims to brings 2SLGBTQIAP+ content and information into schools in Saskatchewan. UR Pride Centre runs the fYrefly in Schools Regina program that serves Southern Saskatchewan, while OUTSaskatoon runs the fYrefly in Schools Saskatoon program that serves Central and Northern Saskatchewan.
fYrefly in Schools Regina is able to come into any elementary, middle or high school or classroom in Southern Saskatchewan to deliver presentations or workshops on 2SLGBTQIAP+ communities. The program is coordinated by a registered teacher in Saskatchewan who works directly with educators across Southern Saskatchewan to improve realities and outcomes for 2SLGBTQIAP+ students.
fYrefly in Schools Saskatoon - all content is age-appropriate and connected to Saskatchewan curricula. Students will be introduced to LGBTQ2S terminology and identities through LGBTQ2S-friendly books (Kindergarten - Grade 3) or an interactive, student-led presentation (Grade 4 - 8, 9 - 12). Students will also take part in a class discussion that focuses on reducing discrimination, increasing awareness of LGBTQ2S people and issues, and what inclusive spaces look and feel like.
PFLAG Canada is a national charitable organization, founded by parents who wished to help themselves and their family members understand and accept their LGBTQ2S children. PFLAG Canada provides resources and support for youth, parents, educators, and other community members.
Call the national toll-free support line
1-888-530-6777 ext 224
A discussion of factors impacting mental health for LGBTQ people, compiled by Rainbow Health Ontario and CMHA Ontario.
Support youth and community well-being through the collaborative action of community partners working together. Through evidence, tools and resources, SAYCW supports stakeholders to turn the knowledge gained through the youth health survey into health promoting action.
Youth-focused Mental Health Action Report shines light on challenges and ignites movement for solutions
A new report released this week is bringing attention to mental health challenges faced by more than 10,000 youth across the province—and actions at the grassroots level to ignite change.
This report provides a brief review of the scientific literature on COVID-19 and its effects on youth health, with particular emphasis on mental health. SAYCW shares relevant data from the pre-pandemic, 2019 SAYCW survey – these findings show how stressors and unhealthy behaviours that have been worsened by the pandemic (e.g., worry, connection with others, screen time, etc.) had impacted Saskatchewan youths’ health and well-being prior to the pandemic. Suggested health promotion actions to help mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and improve youth health and well-being are also shared.
