Q & A with Reggie Newkirk - Cultural Leader in Saskatchewan

January, 2011

Cultural Areas

General Culture

Keywords

cultural engagement leadership volunteer
What cultural projects are you working on presently or have just completed?
 
I am involved in two cultural projects: I volunteer with Steering Committee of Sisters in the Spirit. It hopes to establish a Place of Reflection that will have an original sculpture and a place to sit for families and visitors to reflect on missing loved ones and friends. And, I volunteer with the Saskatchewan African Canadian Historical Museum Board, which is working to commemorate the 100th anniversary of immigrants and homesteaders of African Descent who came from Oklahoma and Ontario to Saskatchewan. The virtual museum is unique in that it is “housed” on-line and available to all who have access to the Internet.
 
Is there a particular accomplishment or contribution to cultural development in Saskatchewan you are most proud of and why?
 
I am very proud of SaskCulture and the tremendous work it does to provide training, funding and guidance to cultural organizations across the province. SaskCulture has made a substantive cultural contribution to the province’s motto “From Many Strength”. In addition to providing funds, Saskculture encourages organizations to create programs that engage the province’s multitude of diverse cultures. These programs address a large array of arts and historical and cultural industries. In many respects the people of Saskatchewan are the envy of other provinces due to the unique commitment and support of Saskatchewan Lotteries to culture.
 
What area of your work do you wish you could do all over again?
 
What would you change? I seldom imagine myself doing things over again because I give considerable forethought before taking action. I use a six-step guide: 1) ascertain the facts; 2) consult with my family, friends and advisors in the field to makes sure my perception of the facts is valid; 3) assess the principle(s) that pertain to the issue; 4) pray and meditate on the information; 5) make the decision; and 6) act upon the decision with confidence and optimism.
 
What advice would you give to future cultural leaders that want to follow in your footsteps?
 
I would urge them not to follow in my footsteps. Rather my advice to anyone is to be true to yourself; listen to the calling of your own, mind and soul. Follow that for which you have an undying passion. That said, the footsteps that I try to follow in any leadership role are these: when called upon to initiate, direct and coordinate the affairs of any organization one should endeavor to win the confidence and affection of those whom it is one’s privilege to serve. Investigate and acquaint oneself with the considered views, prevailing sentiments and personal convictions of those you serve and purge ones’ deliberations and conduct of self-contained aloofness, suspicion of secrecy and the stifling atmosphere of doctorial assertiveness. Strive to remove from words and deeds any savor partiality, self-centeredness and prejudice. By inviting discussion, ventilating grievances, as well as welcoming advice, a sense of interdependence and co-partnership is fostered between oneself and the people you serve.
 
What is your favorite cultural activity?
 
My favorite cultural activity is music. Whether it be listening to musicians perform or performing with them. However, I find that I enjoy just about every cultural activity, especially when I am with cultural enthusiasts. I find their enjoyment and passion is contagious.
 
If you were able to spend a day with any Saskatchewan cultural figure, current and historic, who would it be and what would I ask?
 
I am unable select one individual. I would prefer a small group conversation with the following participants: Big Bear, Gabriel Dumont, Louis Riel, Dr. Albert Shadd and Tommy Douglas. I would ask them to discuss—“what do they think of Saskatchewan in the 21st Century?”
 
What do you think is the “best place to be” in Saskatchewan?
 
I think the best place to be in Saskatchewan is that place in your mind where you know that Saskatchewan is unique, exciting, diverse, creative and is as capable as anywhere else in the world.
 
 What cultural projects are you working on presently or have just completed?
 
I am involved in two cultural projects: I volunteer with Steering Committee of Sisters in the Spirit. It hopes to establish a Place of Reflection that will have an original sculpture and a place to sit for families and visitors to reflect on missing loved ones and friends. And, I volunteer with the Saskatchewan African Canadian Historical Museum Board, which is working to commemorate the 100th anniversary of immigrants and homesteaders of African Descent who came from Oklahoma and Ontario to Saskatchewan. The virtual museum is unique in that it is “housed” on-line and available to all who have access to the Internet.
 
Is there a particular accomplishment or contribution to cultural development in Saskatchewan you are most proud of and why?
 
I am very proud of SaskCulture and the tremendous work it does to provide training, funding and guidance to cultural organizations across the province. SaskCulture has made a substantive cultural contribution to the province’s motto “From Many Strength”. In addition to providing funds, Saskculture encourages organizations to create programs that engage the province’s multitude of diverse cultures. These programs address a large array of arts and historical and cultural industries. In many respects the people of Saskatchewan are the envy of other provinces due to the unique commitment and support of Saskatchewan Lotteries to culture.
 
What area of your work do you wish you could do all over again?
 
What would you change? I seldom imagine myself doing things over again because I give considerable forethought before taking action. I use a six-step guide: 1) ascertain the facts; 2) consult with my family, friends and advisors in the field to makes sure my perception of the facts is valid; 3) assess the principle(s) that pertain to the issue; 4) pray and meditate on the information; 5) make the decision; and 6) act upon the decision with confidence and optimism.
 
What advice would you give to future cultural leaders that want to follow in your footsteps?
 
I would urge them not to follow in my footsteps. Rather my advice to anyone is to be true to yourself; listen to the calling of your own, mind and soul. Follow that for which you have an undying passion. That said, the footsteps that I try to follow in any leadership role are these: when called upon to initiate, direct and coordinate the affairs of any organization one should endeavor to win the confidence and affection of those whom it is one’s privilege to serve. Investigate and acquaint oneself with the considered views, prevailing sentiments and personal convictions of those you serve and purge ones’ deliberations and conduct of self-contained aloofness, suspicion of secrecy and the stifling atmosphere of doctorial assertiveness. Strive to remove from words and deeds any savor partiality, self-centeredness and prejudice. By inviting discussion, ventilating grievances, as well as welcoming advice, a sense of interdependence and co-partnership is fostered between oneself and the people you serve.
 
What is your favorite cultural activity?
 
My favorite cultural activity is music. Whether it be listening to musicians perform or performing with them. However, I find that I enjoy just about every cultural activity, especially when I am with cultural enthusiasts. I find their enjoyment and passion is contagious.
 
If you were able to spend a day with any Saskatchewan cultural figure, current and historic, who would it be and what would I ask?
 
I am unable select one individual. I would prefer a small group conversation with the following participants: Big Bear, Gabriel Dumont, Louis Riel, Dr. Albert Shadd and Tommy Douglas. I would ask them to discuss—“what do they think of Saskatchewan in the 21st Century?”
 
What do you think is the “best place to be” in Saskatchewan?
 
I think the best place to be in Saskatchewan is that place in your mind where you know that Saskatchewan is unique, exciting, diverse, creative and is as capable as anywhere else in the world.