Yorkton’s mayor and a representative from the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Eastern Region are sharing their thoughts after representing their communities on an international stage. Mayor Aaron Kienle and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Eastern Region 2A representative Darcy Lepowick participated in Canada’s official side event at the United Nations’ (UN) 2026 High-Level Political Forum in New York City. The two attended discussions during the second and third weeks of July, bringing a rural Saskatchewan perspective to conversations about sustainable development, infrastructure and community challenges. Kienle said it was a unique experience to see Yorkton represented among Canada’s delegation. “Quite an amazing situation where two Yorkton people were there. There was somebody else [as well] who was born in Yorkton and who was part of the Canadian delegation. Now, obviously [he] doesn’t live here anymore. So that was really cool to see Yorkton on that stage,” he said. For Lepowick, discussions surrounding clean water and clean energy were particularly relevant to the Métis Nation. “One [topic] that was really relatable to the Métis Nation was with clean water and also clean energy – how we have to protect our lakes and rivers. Some communities are struggling with a clean water supply as well as drinking water,” he said. Kienle used the opportunity to highlight infrastructure challenges facing Yorkton, particularly the city’s wastewater treatment plant project. “[The UN event] gave me a really great opportunity to highlight the needs of the area and kind of the position that we’re in with the wastewater treatment plant and the need for help from both the federal and the provincial government to move that forward,” he said. Beyond participating in official discussions, Kienle said it gave him a rare opportunity to speak with high-level federal officials directly. “We’ve got time outside of the panel to discuss not only the needs of Yorkton, but also of communities like ours throughout Canada, and how there’s a need for more investment from the federal government,” he explained. The mayor addressed some of the criticism he’s received online regarding the expenditure of his trip to New York City. “It’s been approved by Council on Advocacy Work and on having people help us open those doors in places like Ottawa,” Kienle explained. “And when you compare the money that was spent to go to New York to get the time with the people that I did, [it] is money well spent.” Lepowick also highlighted the connections he has made. “We got introduced to ambassadors to all countries around the world,” he told CTV News. The highlight for him was a hint that Métis Nation-Saskatchewan might be able to send Métis artwork to the UN building in New York to be displayed next to a piece from an Inuit artist. “[Lepowick’s UN guide] told me to take a picture of the [Inuit] artwork and also the empty spot beside it, and said that, ‘This is a place where the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan could possibly present something for to the United Nations and have an artwork or a little bit of something in regards to the culture displayed there,’” Lepowick recalled, adding that it was a huge honour. Now back in Saskatchewan, both representatives are preparing to share what they learned with their respective communities and organizations. Lepowick said he plans to present a report at an upcoming provincial council meeting, outlining the discussions that took place and how some of the ideas could be applied within Saskatchewan and the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan. Both Kienle and Lepowick said they hope to have the opportunity to return to the United Nations in the future and continue to advocate for their communities and the region on the global stage.
