SGI invests to improve traffic safety in two tribal councils
SGI is funding a two-year traffic safety initiative, aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and injuries in two of Saskatchewan’s tribal councils. The provincial insurer will ensure that a dedicated traffic safety liaison will be active in both the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council and the Saskatoon Tribal Council. Working with elders and youth within the First Nations communities in each tribal council, the liaisons will identify traffic safety issues in their communities and help come up with solutions.
“Collisions on First Nations roads result in far too many catastrophic injuries and fatalities, making those road systems a priority for us,” SGI President and CEO Andrew Cartmell said in a statement. “These positions will help increase education and awareness around road safety in these First Nations communities, especially around key issues like seatbelt use and impaired driving, ultimately leading to a safer province.”
“Having a designated traffic safety specialist working in our tribal council will help us accomplish our mission of developing productive and safe communities,” File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council Chairperson Edmund Bellegarde said. “Working together, we can put solid traffic safety plans in place, leading to safer communities for all our members.”
“We look forward to working with our liaison to improve traffic safety in our tribal council,” Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Felix Thomas said. “By engaging our members to recognize safety gaps in our communities and working together to develop solutions, our people will be more invested in the end result.”
SGI will reevaluate the program after the two-year pilot.
File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council includes the following member First Nations: Carry the Kettle, Little Black Bear, Muskowpetung, Nekaneet, Okanese, Pasqua, Peepeekisis, Piapot, Standing Buffalo, Wood Mountain and Star Blanket.
Saskatoon Tribal Council includes the following member First Nations: Kinistin Saulteaux, Mistawasis, Muskeg Lake, Muskoday, One Arrow, Whitecap Dakota and Yellow Quill.
