Saskatchewan newspaper turns spotlight on northerners

The diocese of Saskatchewan has a new publication, Northern and Cree News, a glossy, colourful four-page tabloid focusing on Anglican church life in the northern communities, especially its indigenous ministry.

The diocese (jointly with the dioceses of Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle) already publishes The Saskatchewan Anglican newspaper, but although it “does a splendid job” it is “intended for a broader audience,” said Bruce Russell, diocesan communications officer.

“We hope that by distributing (Northern and Cree News) to southerners and non-Canadians, the extraordinary witness and faith of indigenous Anglicans in northern Saskatchewan will be an inspiration to those who do not have the opportunity to live and work with our Cree neighbours,” said Mr. Russell. He said the new tabloid follows in the footsteps of The Cree Monthly Guide, which was published years ago in Cree.

The maiden issue, published last December, “has been a great success,” said Mr. Russell. The top story was about the new Anglican church that will be built in a small village north of Stanley Mission. It also carried a photograph of Bishop Anthony Burton of Saskatchewan with young people at a recent confirmation in Grandmother’s Bay.

Due to budgetary constraints, Northern and Cree News will only be published three times a year.