The BRCC is a coalition of five First Nations, the Town of Battleford and the City of North Battleford in Saskatchewan. The group formed in 2021 in response to the verdict and dynamics surrounding the Gerald Stanley trial, recognizing that systemic racism and conflict between communities in the Battlefords must be addressed for all communities to strive. The coalition therefore exists to build bridges towards respectful and cooperative intergovernmental relationships in the region. Urban Matters was contracted to support development of the organization’s first Strategic Plan, whereby priorities were identified and prioritized to channel the coalition’s focus over the next three years. 

Impact

As a result of engagement sessions with the community, two broad visionary goals were established to guide the Plan: Regional Health & Well-being and Economic Well-being. From these, an 18-month actionable plan was created, emphasizing internal and external well-being goals and supporting the creation of a new vision statement for the BRCC moving forward. 

“The Battlefords Regional Community Coalition brings people together, provides information, and fosters relationships to remove barriers. Serving as a link between citizens and government, together, we courageously raise our voices and fight for the rights of all the inhabitants of the Battlefords. The Battlefords is Kakiyow Askiy, everyone’s land and home, and as a community, prosperity, health, and wellbeing are ours to create and share.”