Canada's national identity is based, in part, on a rich and well supported multi-cultural social structure. In opposition to the US model of the “melting pot”, Canadians have chosen the “mosaic” ideal of cultural diversity. Saskatchewan is an excellent representation of the whole. Saskatchewan and Canada represent a mixture of people of various races, colours, creeds, religions, languages, nationalities, ethnic origins, and places of birth. This diversity is recognized by the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS) that was established in 1975, serving as the umbrella organization Canada's national identity is based, in part, on a rich and well supported multi-cultural social structure. In opposition to the US model of the “melting pot”, Canadians have chosen the “mosaic” ideal of cultural diversity. Saskatchewan is an excellent representation of the whole. Saskatchewan and Canada represent a mixture of people of various races, colours, creeds, religions, languages, nationalities, ethnic origins, and places of birth. This diversity is recognized by the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS) that was established in 1975, serving as the umbrella organization for multiculturalism in the province. MCoS notes that multiculturalism “promotes the understanding, respect, appreciation, and acceptance of all people as equal in our society”.

The members of the proposed SK-RCE recognize that Saskatchewan is host to many Aboriginal and immigrant cultures, each with different knowledge and strengths related to sustainability in this region. For instance, reverence for and stewardship of the land is a basic principle of Aboriginal culture. Historically, Saskatchewan's nomadic First Nation's people were confronted with constant change (i.e. drought, flooding etc.) that presented the ongoing challenge of adaptation. The idea of quick changes as a way of coping with local environmental stresses is one to be fully understood and embraced for those who wish find sustainable solutions while living in Saskatchewan. Holistic, culture-centred understandings are an alternative to purely reductionist approaches to addressing the social, economic, environmental, and health challenges in the region, many of which have roots going back to the industrial revolution. As an RCE in Saskatchewan we are in a strong position to build a community of communities, bringing together a variety of approaches and capturing synergies to build sustainable livelihoods for everyone. At the same time ESD in the SK-RCE must consciously engage and address issues of poverty, vulnerability, and inequality (both of opportunity and resources) confronting different cultural groups, especially First Nation's people in the province.