Moose Jaw-based business memoryKPR has launched a pilot project in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) to help communities better tell their stories, preserve their histories and drive economic growth.
The business, which launched in 2020 and has become a provider of storytelling and digital content management solutions, is using a grant from Innovation Saskatchewan’s Made in Saskatchewan Technology (MIST) program to give 48 communities the tools and training to develop their storytelling capabilities and connect with other municipalities.
The pilot project launched recently and is already more than 50-per-cent full, although some spots are still available.
“This province is so rich with incredible stories, communities and people that have overcome great odds to support each other and come together as communities,” said founder/CEO Jessica McNaughton.
“We have so many amazing places to visit and such diversity both geographically and culturally; the projects are just starting, but I am already reminded of how great our province is and how proud I am to call Saskatchewan home.”
Connecting communities
In an era of vital digital engagement, memoryKPR’s innovative platform offers communities a seamless way to preserve and share their unique histories and narratives and engage tourists and visitors in their stories, the company said.
By participating in this pilot — Moose Jaw has already joined — communities will receive comprehensive software solutions and training designed to enhance their storytelling skills and foster a deeper sense of connection and identity.
Hearing from speakers like Andrew Hiltz, the SaskWanderer; Doug Griffith, author and Community Economic Development thought leader; Annie Charles, executive director of Indigenous Destination Saskatchewan; and other experts will help set up these communities for success.
“We are so excited to bring our city’s rich and diverse history to life by diving deeper into storytelling,” said Jacki L’Heureux-Mason, executive director of Tourism Moose Jaw. “This will be another awesome tool in the toolbox we can use to help create an unforgettable experience in Canada’s Most Notorious City!”
Driving economic benefits
This initiative is not just about preserving the past but is also about leveraging digital content to drive future economic growth, the company said.
By enhancing their storytelling competency, communities can attract tourists, promote businesses and create new opportunities for economic development. This project aligns with memoryKPR’s vision of using digital solutions to create tangible economic benefits for Saskatchewan’s communities and tourism groups.
Innovative support
MemoryKPR said the MIST grant from Innovation Saskatchewan underscores the province’s commitment to fostering homegrown technological solutions. This funding enables the company to extend its cutting-edge digital content management solutions to communities that need them the most, supporting their journey toward digital transformation.
Join the movement
“We are thrilled to report that several communities have already joined the program … . We encourage interested communities to seize this opportunity to enhance their digital storytelling capabilities and contribute to Saskatchewan's economic vitality,” said McNaughton.
“We have villages as small as 150 people, as well as some of our most vibrant bigger cities involved.”
A stronger Saskatchewan
“At memoryKPR, we believe in the power of stories to bring people together. This pilot program is a testament to our commitment to helping communities harness the power of their narratives to build stronger connections and drive economic growth,” McNaughton added.
“We are grateful for the support from Innovation Saskatchewan and excited to see the positive impact this initiative will have on our fabulous province, which is so rich in stories.”
