We are proud to live in a country that welcomes refugees and other newcomers, it is at the heart of who we are as Canadians. But in recent years, the Canadian government has slashed refugee programs. The Group of Five and Community Sponsorship Program, which accounted for about 40 per cent of the privately sponsored refugees entering Canada, was “paused” for one year in 2025. … Continue reading Better Together
More than 7 in 10 of the world’s refugees and displaced populations came from just six countries in 2025. That’s the key finding in the UNHCR Global Trends Report released in June.
The six countries are:
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Four years ago, Nest received a letter from an Israeli woman named Sharon (unknown to Nest members), asking if we would consider sponsoring “an exceptionally talented and brilliant young man” named Adil, a Sudanese refugee from Darfur living in Israel. At the age of 17, Adil was forced to flee his village of Golo in Darfur, when the Janjaweed attacked in 2003. He sought safety … Continue reading It began with a letter
Ali teaching kids in the Kiryandongo refugee settlement before he was attacked.
Ali, his wife and three young children are counting the days (literally) to when they receive news about their refugee application to Canada.
“The kids always ask: ‘When will we go to Saskatoon?'” Ali told Nest. “We are waiting and waiting. Counting the days. Checking emails. Checking phone messages. Waiting for news.”
Nest Saskatoon and the Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) submitted Ali and his family’s refugee application to the Canadian government on November 4, 2025, under what was supposed to be a fast-track for people fleeing the Sudanese conflict. But their application continues to be delayed due to Canadian government restrictions on processing applications from Uganda due to concerns about Ebola.
Uganda was declared Ebola free on July 28, but the Canadian government continues to extend its ban on processing immigration applications from that country. The latest ban, which was to be removed September 27, was extended until November 27.
Nest and the Canadian Lutheran World Relief sent a letter to the Visa Office on September 16, requesting an exemption for Ali and his family.
Continue reading “Nest requests exemption”
The Nest Secret Garden Tour, which takes place on Sunday (July 19) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. has sold out. Eight beautiful gardens are showcased on this year’s tour. All proceeds from the Nest Secret Garden Tour support refugee settlement in Saskatoon. For more information contact: nestgardentour@gmail.com Continue reading Garden Tour has sold out!
A group of Canadians, mostly from Saskatchewan, sent an Open Letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney today (May 11) urging the government to keep human rights issues at the forefront of all discussions with the Eritrean government.
“We are deeply concerned the Government of Canada is making diplomatic overtures to the brutal Eritrean dictatorship of Isaias Afwerki, while ignoring the country’s human rights abuses,” the Open Letter states.
Continue reading “Open Letter to Prime Minister re: Eritrea”
Thanks to everyone who participated in the Nest Equinox Supper on March 22. It was a big success. “Please give my compliments to the chefs,” writes Rita, who purchased two supper tickets. “The supper was amazing and we enjoyed every bit of it.” The Nest chefs deserving our appreciation and praise include the mother daughter teams of: Head chef Noor Obada and her mother Rajaa … Continue reading Equinox Supper “amazing”
“Human rights are our compass in turbulent times — guiding and steadying us through uncertainty,” said UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, marking the launch of the 2025 Human Rights Day campaign, celebrated today on December 10.
In 2025, the very foundations of human rights have been put to the test.
“Inequalities are rising, conflicts are raging, the climate emergency is mounting, and some are creating and trying to deepen divisions within societies and between countries. But we must not give up,” said Türk in his video message marking the 80th anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945.
Continue reading “Human Rights Day”
Once again Nest donors showed their outstanding support for refugee settlement in Saskatoon.
In one month, 93 Nest supporters pledged $60,000 to sponsor: Moises, a single Venezuelan refugee with relatives in Saskatoon; Hiba and Jasim, a young Sudanese couple, and a Sudanese family of five consisting of Ali, Jadda and their three children.
Continue reading “Nest donors amaze us”
A Sudanese family who lost everything in the war are preparing to start their new life in Saskatoon next month.
When war broke out in Sudan on April 15, 2023, it began near the Abu Adam neighbourhood of Khartoum, an area adjacent to two Sudanese army camps, an ammunition and missile factory and gas and fuel depots. This is where Ahmed Saeed lived with his wife Malaz and their two sons.
Continue reading “Coming soon!”
