Saskatoon Open Door Society

06/23/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for THREADS at Persephone: Newcomers Navigating Creativity in Canada!

From the inspiring artwork and powerful stories to the meaningful conversations and new connections, this event was a wonderful celebration of newcomer artists and the contributions they make to our community.

A heartfelt thank you to our artists, speakers, performer, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who attended. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Together, we’re building a more inclusive and vibrant arts community in Saskatoon.

Photography By: Pritesh Lad



Partners: ISGA, Persephone Theatre

Sponsors: City of Saskatoon - Your Local Government Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee; Canadian Race Relations Fdn / Fondation canadienne des relations raciales

06/22/2026

Better Together: Opening Hearts, Opening Doors

Ali Abukar's journey began as a refugee fleeing civil war in Somalia. After spending years supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt, he eventually found a new home in Canada through private sponsorship.

Today, as CEO of Saskatoon Open Door Society, Ali continues to champion the values that shaped his own journey: welcome, belonging, and opportunity.

His story reflects the incredible impact that communities can have when they open their hearts to newcomers. From seeking safety to helping others build new lives, Ali's experience reminds us that refugees bring resilience, talent, and hope to the communities they call home.

"When people are welcomed and supported, they have the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and help build stronger communities for everyone."



Video produced by Saskatoon Open Door Society in support of the Better Together campaign.

06/21/2026

Today, we celebrate fathers, father figures, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, and caregivers whose love, sacrifice, and steady guidance help shape strong families and strong communities.

At Saskatoon Open Door Society, we see every day the courage of fathers who work hard to build new beginnings, support their children’s dreams, and create a sense of home in a new place.

Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible fathers and father figures in our community. Your strength, care, and commitment do not go unnoticed.

06/20/2026

We are proud to share that Saskatoon Open Door Society has awarded $12,000 in scholarships this year to support newcomer students as they continue their education and pursue their goals.

These scholarships are about more than financial support. They are an investment in the talent, resilience, and bright futures of newcomer youth in our community.

Congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients. We are so proud to celebrate your hard work, your achievements, and the exciting journey ahead.

If you would like to help us continue supporting newcomer students and families, consider making a donation to Saskatoon Open Door Society. Your support helps create more opportunities, remove barriers, and invest in the next generation of leaders.

Donate today: www.sods.sk.ca/donate

06/19/2026

Better Together: From Welcome to Giving Back

Leaving home is never easy. For Zainab Al-Musawi and her family, it meant leaving behind everything they knew in search of safety, stability, and a brighter future.

After arriving in Saskatoon as a refugee in 2010, Zainab experienced firsthand the power of a warm welcome and the support of a caring community. Today, she helps other newcomer families begin their own journeys as the Resettlement Assistant Supervisor at Saskatoon Open Door Society.

Her story is a powerful reminder that when we welcome newcomers, we help create opportunities, build belonging, and strengthen our communities for generations to come.

"Today, I have the privilege of standing beside families arriving in Saskatoon, helping them find safety, support, hope, and a warm welcome." - Zainab Al-Musawi



Video produced by Saskatoon Open Door Society in support of the Better Together campaign.

06/18/2026

Dream to Reality Business Pitch 2026

We are excited to highlight the incredible entrepreneurs taking part in this year’s Dream to Reality Business Pitch at the Women’s Business Hub Global Market Place , a special event supporting newcomer and immigrant women as they bring their business ideas, creativity, and leadership to life.

This year’s pitch will feature inspiring contestants from a wide range of industries, from food and hospitality to education, fashion, art, digital strategy, and more. We are also grateful to welcome our keynote speaker, Mehmet Çağlar Tülbek, President of the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, along with our wonderful panel of judges: Shakya Abeywickrama, Abid Sherali, Colleen Mah, and Nafisa Mahabub.

A sincere thank you to our partners and sponsors, including FEAD Female Entrepreneurs In Agri-Food Development , Food Centre and Scotiabank , for helping make this meaningful opportunity possible.

06/17/2026

Summer Activities for Youth (SAY) Program 2026 is Back!

Looking for a fun, active, and engaging summer? Join the Saskatoon Open Door Society's FREE Summer Activities for Youth (SAY) Program for youth ages 12–18 from July 2 to August 27, 2026!

Participants can enjoy a variety of recreational, educational, and leadership activities, including:

Sports: Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Football, Rugby, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Table Tennis, and Volleyball

Creative Activities: Art, Crocheting, Theatre, Music Camp, and Digital Storytelling Camp

Leadership & Learning: Girls Empowerment, Science Camp, Youth Leadership Camp, Field Trips, and much more!

Registration Information

Online Registration
June 12–20, 2026

Simply scan the QR code on the program poster to access the online registration form. Please note that the registration form is only available from June 12–20, 2026.

Don't miss this opportunity to make new friends, develop new skills, build leadership, and create unforgettable summer memories!

Please share this opportunity with youth, families, and community members who may be interested.

06/17/2026

READY FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE?

Join us for an amazing Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Day Trip, a powerful day of culture, connection, and discovery!

Feel the energy of a traditional Pow Wow
Connect with First Nations community members
Take in the beauty of the land and deepen your understanding of Indigenous culture

Saturday, June 27, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Open to newcomers and families

Transportation available. Registration required.

Limited spots available, first come, first served!

MUSKEG LAKE TRIP REGISTRATION FORM – https://tinyurl.com/muskeglakecreenation2026

Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and be part of something meaningful!

Generously funded by Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation.

Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation SaskCulture

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

Better Together: A Welcome That Changed Everything

At just 10 years old, Azizur Rahman was forced to flee Myanmar with his family. After years spent in a refugee camp, he arrived in Saskatoon searching for safety, opportunity, and a place to belong.

Today, Azizur is a student, interpreter, and community member helping other newcomers navigate their own journeys.

His story reminds us that a welcoming community can change the course of a life. What begins with kindness can grow into confidence, belonging, and the opportunity to give back.

"One kind word, one helpful person, or one welcoming smile can make a newcomer feel that they belong."