The Busy Signal > Member Voices

Building Connections, Inspiring Change 

By Michele Blind and Melina Tallentire | Summer/Fall 2026

Michele Blind and Melina Tallentire share their experience attending the PATHS Conference as members of the Women's Committee. From meaningful conversations and inspiring speakers to new connections and valuable insights, they came away with a renewed appreciation for the work being done to support women and children experiencing domestic violence. They wanted to share their experience and encourage other members to take advantage of opportunities to learn, connect and bring new ideas back to our local.

Members of our Women's Committee had the opportunity to attend the PATHS (Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan) Conference, and it was an experience worth sharing!

For Michele Blind, it was her first time attending, while Melina Tallentire was happy to return. Both appreciated the opportunity to connect and network with women from organizations across Saskatchewan who work to support women and children experiencing domestic violence.

The conference began with a smudge and teachings from Elder Lorna Standingready, whose passion and willingness to share her knowledge made a lasting impression. Other highlights included a presentation by former Cowessess First Nation Chief Cadmus Delorme, who spoke about the importance of truth before reconciliation, and research presented by Crystal Giesbrecht, Ph.D., examining how survivors of intimate partner violence are treated by various support systems and agencies. The findings offered important insights into where improvements are needed to better support survivors.

The conference wrapped up on a lighter note with comedian and mental health advocate Big Daddy Tazz, whose presentation brought plenty of laughter!

Both members came away with valuable insights, new connections, and plenty to think about. Conferences like PATHS remind us of the importance of sharing knowledge, learning from one another, and continuing the work to create safer communities for women and children.

If you have the opportunity to attend the PATHS Conference, we encourage you to put your name forward. It's an experience well worth having!