INTRODUCTION

The Provincial Aboriginal Literacy Steering Committee was formed following the National Aboriginal Literacy Gathering in Morley, Alberta in May 2000, at which nine delegates from Saskatchewan were in attendance. It was during the National Gathering that plans for a follow-up provincial project began. A small working committee came together to begin discussions about Aboriginal literacy in Saskatchewan. The discussions revealed that not only was there a need to both discuss and increase awareness about Aboriginal literacy in our province, but there were a number of individuals passionate about, and dedicated to, moving Aboriginal literacy forward in the province.

The Provincial Aboriginal Literacy Project is a three-year project undertaken by the Provincial Aboriginal Literacy Steering Committee. The aims of the project are to increase awareness of Aboriginal literacy needs, issues and program initiatives within Saskatchewan.

The development of a directory of Aboriginal literacy programs, as well as the hosting of a provincial Aboriginal literacy gathering, have been the two key activities of the Aboriginal Literacy Project. The project further aims to build a strong base for ongoing communication among Aboriginal literacy programs, ongoing support for new Aboriginal literacy program initiatives, and increased recognition and support for Aboriginal literacy within all levels of government.

The steering committee hosted the first Provincial Aboriginal Literacy Gathering in May 2002 at Fort San, Saskatchewan. The Gathering provided the opportunity for approximately 250 participants to share program information, literacy resources, and vision and direction for Aboriginal literacy in Saskatchewan.

The Provincial Aboriginal Literacy Steering Committee has since incorporated as the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network. The Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network hopes that the publishing of the Saskatchewan Directory of Aboriginal Literacy Programs will be the start of an ongoing process of cataloguing current Aboriginal literacy programs and culturally relevant resources that have been developed within Saskatchewan. The Directory will enable information to be shared about current Aboriginal literacy programs and initiatives and will ensure that new or existing initiatives may utilize the expertise of those programs already in existence.