Civically Speaking Podcast with Host, Lenore Swystun and Co-Host, Christina Cherneskey

Lenore Swystun, Host, Civically Speaking on Saskatoon's Community Radio Station, CFCR.ca 90.5 FM with co-host, Christina Cherneskey
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Civically speaking is a podcast that focuses on all things civic - focusing in on Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and wider political, geopolitical, and related issues facing us in a 21st-century word. Host, Lenore Swystun, a Registered Professional Planner, Sociologist, and Facilitator together with Communications Specialist and former Journalist, Christina Cherneskey, invites guests and guest panels to discuss all things current and topical. Civically Speaking episodes are self-produced and aired weekly on Saskatoon's community radio station cfcr.ca along with providing podcast versions and special videocast and podcast direct specials. Tune in, try it, and we promise you'll find yourself coming back for more. We talk planning, politics, people - civically speaking!

  1. 1D AGO

    2025.09.29 Civically Speaking Truth and Reconciliation

    Send us a text Dear Listeners, Thanks for tuning in and supporting CFCR.ca 90.5 FM in Saskatoon and shows like this. These episodes carry forward, and in this special case, a day ahead, local learnings and sharing of news and stories of interest. Regrets from Christina. In this two part episode, part one, we explore the foundations of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. What was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)? Why was it created, and what did it reveal about the residential school system? This episode traces the TRC’s mandate, its six-volume Final Report, and its 94 Calls to Action. Listeners will hear why reconciliation matters, how the legacy of residential schools continues today, and what the TRC gave to Canada: the truth, entrusted by Survivors. Ten years after the TRC’s Final Report, progress is slow. Survivors and allies call on all Canadians to make reconciliation more than symbolic. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding, accountability, and action.  In Part Two , we go deeper into the 94 Calls to Action. What has Canada achieved? Where is progress stalled? And what does reconciliation look like in cities, communities, and workplaces? This part covers ten priority areas — from child welfare and education to justice, health, language, and economic reconciliation. Listeners will hear about national developments, such as the creation of the National Council for Reconciliation, and local examples from Saskatoon and Saskatchewan, including Treaty education, Indigenous procurement, and the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation. The episode also explores the role of museums and arts, newcomers and citizenship, and practical ways each of us can live reconciliation in our daily lives. Survivors gave us the truth; now we must act. Key Reports & Resources Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – Final Report (2015)  Read the TRC Report & Calls to Action The Survivors Speak – testimony volume.What We Have Learned: Principles of Truth and Reconciliation – TRC summary report.National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) – archives, records, and ongoing reporting.Visit.  the NCTR Yellowhead Institute – Annual Calls to Action Accountability Reports  Assembly of First Nations – TRC Report Cards  Saskatchewan Context Treaty 6 Territory & Homeland of the Métis: signed in 1876 at Fort Carlton and Fort Pitt. Treaty 6 is notable for its “medicine chest” and “famine and pestilence” clauses.Local community actions:Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation (Saskatoon).Cultural planning projects in Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Prince Albert.Education initiatives where Treaty learning is embedded in classrooms.Quotes to Reflect On “Reconciliation is not an Aboriginal problem. It is a Canadian one. It requires all of us.” – TRC Final Report“Education got us into this mess, and education will get us out of it.” – Senator Murray SinclairHow You Can Engage After Listening Read the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action and choose one to act on this year.Learn about the Treaty you live on — in Saskatchewan, Treaty 6 and Treaty 4 are most common.Support Survivors and their families by attending Sept 30th events and listening with respect.Explore the NCTR’s online archives to deepen your knowledge.Begin conversations in your family, workplace, or classroom about reconciliation as a shared responsibility.Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

    55 min

  2. SEP 23

    2025.09.23 Civically Speaking - Send Offs, Agriculture and more with Gordon Androsoff and Tom Wolf

    Send us a text Dear Listeners,  On this week’s Civically Speaking, I’m joined by return panel guests Dr. Tom Wolf and Gordon Androsoff. We celebrate Gordon as he leaves Saskatoon for a new chapter in his career—sad to see him go, but excited for his next role, equivalent to his work as Executive Director of CHEP here at home. Tom, as a close friend and colleague, helps send him off with warmth and insight. From there, we dive into timely conversations about the state of agriculture, food systems, and what lies ahead. Tune in and join the conversation! And don’t forget to support our annual fundraising campaign — FM-PHASIS at cfcr.ca Civically Speaking, Lenore Swystun with Christina Cherneskey (away this week) #CivicallySpeaking #Saskatoon #CommunityRadio #Agriculture #FoodSystems #CHEP #LocalVoices #CFCR Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

    57 min

  3. SEP 17

    2025.09.16 Civically Speaking Flags, Shelters, and Redford sadness

    Send us a text Hello Dear Listeners, On this episode of Civically Speaking, we reflect on the passing of Robert Redford, a legend whose influence reached far beyond the screen. We also turn to local matters: the recent meeting about Saskatoon’s plans for a permanent homeless shelter, and the stir caused by the removal of a major tree in Montgomery Place. And of course, we’ll touch on more stories shaping our community this week. Civically Speaking, Lenore with Christina Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

    57 min

  4. SEP 11

    2025.09.09 Fall Season Starter

    Send us a text Hello Dear Civically Speaking Listeners, Welcome to the first fall episode of the new 2025–2026 season!  Christina Cherneskey is back in the house, joining me for a lively conversation that kicks off with a roundup of civic events close to home before widening the lens to national and international stories making headlines.  Along the way, we catch up with Christina and hear what she’s been up to since her last visit. Tune in for smart takes, spirited dialogue, and our unique blend of local and global perspectives. Civically Speaking, Lenore with Christina Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

    57 min

  5. AUG 19

    2025.08.19 Civically Speaking PT 1 Proposed Emergency Homeless Shelter P2 City Council Draft Strategic Plan 2026-29

    Send us a text Dear Listeners, In this episode, we explore two important conversations shaping Saskatoon’s future. Part 1 – The proposed emergency shelter...looking at what’s being planned, how the community is responding, and why thoughtful approaches to shelter and support matter. Part 2 – The City’s proposed Strategic Plan...we unpack the priorities, and questions it raises about where Saskatoon is heading. Join me for a thoughtful discussion about people, policy, and the choices that shape our community. Civically speaking, Lenore Swystun, Host Regrets from Christina Cherneskey ...we are still on summer time scheduling Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

    56 min

  6. AUG 6

    2025.08.05 Civically Speaking - Midsummer Edition - After the August Long

    Send us a text Dear Listeners, Thanks for tuning in to this midsummer edition of Civically Speaking.   I am flying solo again - giving Christina a well deserved summer break.  In this 2 part episode focus on some Saskatoon and Regina civic updates and touch on some provincial and federal news stories.' Some you may know - some you may not know. If you have ideas - reach out. In the meantime - enjoy a summer that is truly flying by. Civically Speaking, Your host, Lenore Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

    56 min

  7. JUL 23

    2024.07.22 Civically Speaking - Building Cities that Remember and Include - and Yesterday's News

    Send us a text Hello Dear Listeners,  It’s just me on the mic today—flying solo while giving the rest of the crew a little break. But that also means space for some quirky deep dives and thoughtful wanderings. In this episode, we kick things off with a look at what it really means to build inclusive communities. And not just in theory—this includes access to spaces, the role of heritage places, spaces and stories, and how we shape our streets, neighbourhoods, and shared places to better welcome everyone. Then in the second half, I’ll turn the lens to news stories from around the world—and right here at home. But not just the headlines. We’ll ask: What kind of news do we rely on? What narratives shape our understanding? And why is it more important than ever to read between the lines? Grab a cup of something cozy, or settle in wherever you are. Let’s get into it. And remember, community radio - so good. Juicy really - CFCR.ca 90.5 FM Civically Speaking, Lenore (regrets from Christina - summer is flying) Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

    55 min

  8. JUN 25

    2025.06.24 Civically Speaking Trump launches missles and f-bombs - to Transit Links, Bear Spray and stories closer to home...

    Send us a text Dear Listeners, Thanks for tuning in! Summer's here—and so is a wave of stories making headlines. From global power shifts to the future of transit right here in our city, Christina and I are diving into what matters most to Saskatoon. We’ll connect the dots between the international stage and what's happening on our streets—because it’s all connected. Civically speaking, Lenore Swystun with Christina Cherneskey Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

    56 min
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About

Civically speaking is a podcast that focuses on all things civic - focusing in on Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and wider political, geopolitical, and related issues facing us in a 21st-century word. Host, Lenore Swystun, a Registered Professional Planner, Sociologist, and Facilitator together with Communications Specialist and former Journalist, Christina Cherneskey, invites guests and guest panels to discuss all things current and topical. Civically Speaking episodes are self-produced and aired weekly on Saskatoon's community radio station cfcr.ca along with providing podcast versions and special videocast and podcast direct specials. Tune in, try it, and we promise you'll find yourself coming back for more. We talk planning, politics, people - civically speaking!

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