Volunteer Week 2024

This year, we celebrate National Volunteer Week in Saskatchewan with the theme Every Moment Matters.

This theme highlights the importance of every volunteer and each contribution they make at a moment when we need support more than ever. The sharing of time, skills, empathy, and creativity is vital to the inclusivity, strength, and wellbeing of our communities. Volunteers are essential to the vibrant cultural landscape of Saskatchewan. Join us in thanking them for their contributions!
 

Volunteer Recognition: Celebrate Cultural Volunteers!

As a way of saying thank you to those in Saskatchewan who give time and energy to their communities, we are highlighting cultural volunteers from across the province who contribute to building a culturally vibrant Saskatchewan.
 

"We are so appreciative of the many individuals who commit their time, energy and talents to supporting the arts, heritage and cultural community in the province. It's always interesting to ask 'why' these people choose to volunteer. Some may support a particular activity or organization, want to share their special skills or abilities, have extra time to give, or look forward to connecting and working with others.  As well, many cultural volunteers will also add that it's about giving back, contributing to a culturally vibrant province, and helping to build strong, thriving communities for future generations."

– Jan Seibel, Chair, SaskCulture Board of Directors

Visit the Government of Saskatchewan National Volunteer Week 2024 page to learn about more amazing volunteers from the sport, culture and recreation sectors in Saskatchewan.

Volunteer Story: Aboriginal Storytellers Series

Dedicated volunteers are the heart, soul and energy of the long-running Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytellers (SAS) program.

The Storytelling Series was originally formed over 20 years ago out of a volunteer committee of the Saskatchewan Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP). Originally started to increase access of library services for Indigenous peoples, the SAS program introduced and promoted the tradition of storytelling, creating a space for cultural transmission of knowledge. 

Since its beginnings, volunteers have remained crucial to the program’s success, supporting committee work, crowd control, programming, technical support, set-up/take-down, research and communications. With the growth of Indigenous Storytelling Month, SAS's volunteer engagement has continued to expand over time — ranging anywhere from 50 to 100 volunteers each year.
 

“Volunteerism created the SAS project and established its sustainability over the years,” SAS coordinator Jessica Generoux said. “The storytelling events and projects help promote, protect and preserve Indigenous knowledge in Saskatchewan.”

The program, which began with 21 storytelling sessions and just over 2,800 participants, has grown to feature many Indigenous artists, including both in-person and online delivery, attracting over 30,000 participants annually. 

“Having the storytelling project in Saskatchewan has made some inroads in making the public libraries more welcoming and has opened doors for Indigenous people to not only use the services, but also in becoming part of the library community,” Generoux added.

For more information on the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytellers Series, visit the Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples website.

Read volunteer stories from across the province in the Spring 2024 issue of Engage Magazine.

If you are looking for opportunities to volunteer in Saskatchewan, visit Volunteer Connector.