The United Nations General assembly has designated 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP). The purpose of the year is to promote an understanding and appreciation of rangelands around the world and the people who use them. The international theme for the month of August is "Indigenous and local knowledge, culture and innovation".

The kihci-okāwīmāw askiy Knowledge Centre is partnering with the Meewasin Valley Authority to plan a gathering to celebrate IYRP and grasslands at the Northeast Swale. Join this land-based workshop led by kēhtē-ayak (elders) Julie Pitzel, Roland Duquette and Joseph Naytowhow about the importance of grasslands. They will share insights into the grasslands as living cultural landscapes, where traditional knowledge, land-based practices, and language revitalization come together to sustain Indigenous heritage. Grounded in the deep relationships between people and place, this workshop highlights how stories, values, and identity are embedded within the grasslands themselves—offering a powerful perspective on their cultural and historical significance.

Theme(s):
• History: Indigenous Peoples and Relationship to Land
• 7 Generation Strategic Decision-making

Presenters:
• kēhtē-aya, Elder Julie Pitzel
• kēhtē-aya, Elder Roland Duquette
• kēhtē-aya, Elder Joseph Naytowhow

Location: Northeast Swale, Range Road 3050, Saskatoon

To register click here.