Commemorating Truth and Reconciliation: Events Held Across Saskatchewan
Across Saskatchewan, hundreds of visitors gathered to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. Various events took place, including activities at Wanuskewin Heritage Park and the Circle Project in Regina, offering opportunities for reflection and community engagement.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park: A Day of Remembrance and Celebration
Wanuskewin Heritage Park, located north of Saskatoon, hosted a day filled with activities such as beading, baking bannock, and a round dance. The park provided a space for visitors to learn, reflect, and celebrate Indigenous culture. Many elders, including survivors of residential schools, were present to share their experiences and wisdom.
Elder Mary Lee, who attended day school in Pelican Narrows, shared her personal story.
"It wasn't the best place to be," she said. "What I learned at school was not to trust everybody."She emphasized the importance of retaining her Cree language and culture, which her mother passed down to her, and how she has continued to share that with younger generations. "And it's amazing today. Now we finally have a voice."
Jesse Muhlbach, a senior interpretive guide at Wanuskewin, led beading workshops, emphasizing the therapeutic and cultural significance of the art form. "Any art is medicine, so there is a lot of patience that goes into beading," said Muhlbach, highlighting the teachings embedded in beadwork and the importance of sharing this tradition.
"We live in such a fast-paced world, so to just take a moment and be thankful of how this tradition got passed down, how I'm able to learn it and then how I'm able to share it, it just gives me a little moment of peace." - Jesse Muhlbach
Doug Hyndford, co-executive director of operations at Wanuskewin, emphasized the importance of listening and understanding the hard truths of the past, particularly for families impacted by residential schools. He noted that understanding is needed for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Regina: Honour Walk and Community Events
In Regina, the Circle Project hosted its fifth annual Honour Walk for Truth and Reconciliation. According to Ann Perry, executive director of the Circle Project, the walk aims at "recognizing the experience of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the history of Canada with Indigenous people, specifically around the residential schools."
The Circle Project collaborated with the Co-operators for the walk, encouraging community participation in a day of quiet reflection, honour, and remembrance. The goal was to create a space where the community can come together and reflect together as part of reconciliation in action.
Other events in Regina included an art exhibit at the McKenzie Art Gallery titled "The Indian Theater: Native Performance, Art, and Self-Determination since 1969," and a presentation at the Regina Public Library featuring journalist Nelson Bird, cultural performances and opportunities for learning and supporting reconciliation efforts.
The mâmawêyatitân centre hosted an all-day event, beginning with a pipe ceremony, and the City of Regina participated in an Orange Shirt Day event in partnership with the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Network.
Prince Albert: Commemoration at the Historical Museum and PAGC Cultural Centre
In Prince Albert, events were scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST at the Prince Albert Historical Museum, with free admission all day. The Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) also held an event at the PAGC Cultural Centre to honour the lives, voices, and futures of Indigenous children, encouraging participants to wear orange shirts.
