People’s Free University: Community-Based Economic and Social Development

Date: Wednesday, April 26
Time: 7 pm
Location: Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-op, 903 20th St. W., Saskatoon

Livestream: facebook.com/OfficeoftheViceDeanIndigenous

Free and open to the public

About this event

Community-Based Economic and Social Development in Low-Income Urban Neighbourhoods

This presentation will provide the theory, practice, challenges and successes of community economic development (CED) based on Quint’s experience working in Saskatoon’s core neighbourhoods since 1995. CED uses participatory, democratic, innovative, and entrepreneurial strategies that challenge the status quo and build alternatives for community transformation.

Len Usiskin is the executive director of Quint Development Corporation, a not-for-profit focused on creating opportunities that address disparities and enhance economic and social conditions for the west side core neighbourhoods of Saskatoon. Quint provides affordable and transitional housing, employment services, and develops social enterprises. Len is also one of the co-managers of Station 20 West Community Enterprise Centre. Len sits on the boards of the Community University Institute for Social Research, and of the Community First Development Fund of Saskatoon Len has an M.A.in economics from the University of Manitoba.

About People’s Free University

People’s Free University is an initiative of the Office of the Vice-Dean Indigenous, College of Arts and Science, and offers a series of presentations that link university learning with the broader community of Saskatoon and beyond. People’s Free University is designed to share knowledge with people who share curiosity and interest in innovation, but might not have the resources.

Speakers address what has been referred to as “wicked” challenges of the 21st century and are chosen for their critical and forward thinking and their ability to offer solutions to modern concerns. We encourage collaboration and discussions between Indigenous knowledge holders and western-trained knowledge holders, as well as the series participants. Our advisory committee is made up of community and university people who represent youth, women, artists and environmental issues. The committee helps identify topics and choose speakers. If you have some ideas you would like to explore/suggest, please contact us.

Our Partners: Station 20 West, Core Area Youth Co-op, College of Medicine, SevenGen Student Energy

Info: Cindy Hansen-Burnouf, clb051@usask.ca

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