How to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in Saskatchewan

Sunday marks National Indigenous Peoples Day, which is marked across Canada by celebrations of Indigenous culture, history and contributions.

Here are some of the ways you can join in on the festivities:

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‘Rock your Roots’ in Saskatoon

In Saskatoon, the city is hosting its annual Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation on Friday, and this year marks a big anniversary for the event.

“This year is a special year because it marks 10 years since the very first Rock Your Roots Walk and the formation of the Reconciliation Saskatoon collective,” the City of Saskatoon said in a statement.

“This year is also the 150th Anniversary of Treaty 6, commemorating when First Nations and the Crown entered into the Treaty 6 agreement in 1876.”

The city’s event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Victoria Park. The walk itself begins at 10:30 a.m., with a program and activities in the park to follow at 11:45 a.m.

Those in attendance will see performances and hear stories from Indigenous elders and residential school attendees, and participants are encouraged to wear orange or Indigenous regalia, and to carry signs “that honour and celebrate their heritage.”

The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan invited all Métis people, along with their family members and friends, to join in the events in Saskatoon.

“A special tradition of Rock Your Roots includes a birthday celebration for Survivors, in place of the birthdays they never got to celebrate as children in Residential Schools with cupcakes, birthday wishes and messages, Survivors are honoured and celebrated in recognition of their stories and experiences,” the Métis Nation said in a statement.

National Indigenous Peoples Day takes over Regina’s Victoria Park

Regina residents will be out in Victoria Park on Friday to celebrate the occasion.

According to the city, the program runs from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., starting with a grand entry and greetings from dignitaries, followed by a series of performances on the stage in the west side of the park, with the day wrapping up with a grand exit ceremony.

The celebration will also feature educational experiences for attendees, including beading, finger weaving and a tipi demonstration.

“Regina’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Network is excited to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day,” said Fawn Redwood, who chairs the event committee.

“This year’s event will have performers, artisans and educators throughout the park.”

The city said the day offers a chance to deepen understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture and the contributions First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have made to Canada.

Commemorate the signing of Treaty 6 at Fort Battleford

On Saturday, a special celebration will be held at Fort Battleford National Historic Site to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day and commemorate the 150th anniversary of Treaty 6, which was signed on Aug. 23, 1876.

“Treaty 6 is more than a historical agreement; it is a living document,” Dr. Kathy Walker, Saskatchewan’s treaty commissioner, said in a statement.

“As we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6, we have an opportunity to reflect on the undertakings agreed to by our ancestors and the responsibilities we share today. Living the Treaties means using these agreements to guide reconciliation and how to build for future generations to come.”

The event will offer a day of learning and celebration, the commissioner’s office said in a statement, with performers and vendors on hand, along with elders and knowledge keepers.

“Activities will begin with an Elder’s Prayer and opening ceremony at 11:00 a.m. and will include cultural performances, storytelling, children’s activities, and an outdoor market,” the office noted.

Celebrate the day at Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Wanuskewin Heritage Park, located at a historic First Nations cultural site just outside Saskatoon, is marking the occasion with a full day of celebrations on Sunday.

The events kick off with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by events including dancing and drumming, a fiddle performance by Jordan Daniels and a storytelling session hosted by Randy Morin.

Leah Dorion and Aleksi Anseth will lead community art activities, and the park will also host archaeology demonstrations, bannock baking, nature walks and gallery tours, along with a community mosaic constructed out of LEGO.

Pancake breakfast in North Battleford

An annual pancake breakfast will be held to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre in North Battleford on Friday morning, running from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The event will feature live entertainment, including award-winning artist Terri-Anne Strongarm, with the celebration also featuring activities for kids, guest speakers, vendors and an elders’ tent.