Updated February 7, 2025
First established in 2021, SHRF's Truth & Action Grant is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action. It reflects SHRF's commitment to meaningful action and reconciliation in the health research communities of Saskatchewan.
This funding, provided within the umbrella of SHRF's 'Connections' Program, looks to support initiatives for up to one year that directly address one or more of the TRC's Calls to Action through the sharing of health research and traditional knowledge.
Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) is excited to announce the following projects funded through the SHRF 2024-25 Mobilize Grant: Truth & Action. The funding is awarded on a rolling intake. New projects will be listed as they are funded.
Keepers of the Talking Quilt
Led by Eileen Zaba (Saskatchewan Polytechnic)
$10,000
The Talking Quilt Ceremony was held February 6, 2025 at Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Saskatoon campus.
Read the full press release at saskpolytech.ca/news/posts/2025/talking-quilt-women-of-james-smith-cree-nation.
The Keepers of the Talking Quilt Ceremony is a deeply meaningful ceremony to mark the transfer of care for the Talking Quilt, a cherished cultural artifact, from James Smith Cree Nation to Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Since 2000, women from James Smith Cree Nation have gathered to sew quilt squares while they shared stories of hardships, including residential school experiences and abuse they have experienced over the course of their lives. The founder of the Talking Quilt was Ruby Head. Each square of the quilt tells a unique story, highlighting matriarchal journeys, truths and healing.
Elder Sandra Head shared the story of Talking Quilt with Sask Polytech researchers Eileen Zaba and Lindsey Boechler while they were working with the community on an applied research project. The Keepers of the Talking Quilt Ceremony was funded by SHRF and Sask Polytech Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS).
About SHRF - Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) is the provincial funding agency that funds, supports and promotes the impact of health research that matters to Saskatchewan. SHRF collaborates with stakeholders to contribute to the growth of a high-performing health system, culture of innovation and the improved health of citizens by strengthening research capacity and competitiveness, increasing the investment in health research in Saskatchewan and aligning research with the needs of our stakeholders.
For more information, please contact:
Chelsea Cunningham, SHRF Programs and Engagement Manager
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