A program to celebrate National Aboriginal Day at Kamsack on June 21 began with Stella Pelly delivering an opening prayer that recognized, in particular, “the children; our youth.”
Held on the grounds of the Kamsack Petro-Can, the event began at 11 a.m. and was followed with a lunch of barbecued burgers and bannock.
Saying that many Canadian communities were celebrating National Aboriginal Day, Pelly explained how this “special day” had begun in 1996 as a way of recognizing “the rich heritage of Aboriginal people.” She talked about several items in current popular use that had originated by North America’s Aboriginals, including coffee, chocolate, chewing gum and popcorn, and explained that traditionally, Aboriginal people are connected to the earth.
“We commit ourselves to our children, our culture and our language,” she said, adding that one cannot go far in the world if “we don’t hold hands.”
“We have to love one another,” she said, calling out for persons to reach out for understanding and to pray for, not judge, those who are lost.
“This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples,” said Kamsack Mayor Nancy Brunt, explaining that the day was the 20th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day.
Brunt said that Gov.-Gen. Romeo LeBlanc had created the day after many consultations with First Nation, Inuit and Métis people.
“National Aboriginal Day isn’t just about Indigenous people celebrating their heritage, it’s a chance for all Canadians to learn about our country’s history and to celebrate Canada’s diversity,” she said. “Here in Kamsack we are happy to celebrate this day and acknowledge all Indigenous peoples and their roles in making our community a great place to call home.
“It is by working together that we can build a happy, healthy and safe community,” she said. “As Romeo Leblanc said: ‘May the First Peoples of our past always be full and proud partners in our future’.”
The Whitehawk Singers of Cote First Nation performed an honour song on the drum and Sarah Genaille of Pelly talked about how important the Red River jig and square dancing are among First Nations and Métis. Genaille’s daughter Farrah Raabel demonstrated some jigging steps and immediately a group of Grade 3 students of the Victoria School and a few other lively individuals joined her in a fast-moving jig.
James Perry was at the barbecue cooking burgers and the Family Resource Centre’s mobile unit was in attendance to pull out several crafts and games for the children.
The Parkland Regional Library’s literacy hub organized the event with Kamsack Petro-Canada and the New Beginnings Outreach Centre.
“Our province’s very name 'Saskatchewan' is derived from the Cree language,” said Donna Harpauer, minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs. “Aboriginal peoples are a fundamental part of our province’s history, diversity, and identity.
“It’s important for all of us to recognize National Aboriginal Day, whether that’s by participating in a community event or other activity that promotes understanding of reconciliation,” Harpauer said.
National Aboriginal Day is for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, she said, adding that on a day dedicated to the celebration of Aboriginal heritage, the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport was pleased to announce the intention to designate the Regina Indian Industrial School Cemetery as Provincial Heritage Property.
Through the formal designation process, a Notice of Intention to Designate this property was signed in May and the Order to Designate will be eligible in July, said a release from government relations. It is anticipated that there will be an event to mark this designation this summer.
“Our government intends to designate this cemetery as Provincial Heritage Property,” said Ken Cheveldayoff, minister of parks, culture and sport. “The Regina Indian Industrial School Cemetery needs to be recognized, remembered and understood as part of our shared history.
“This Provincial Heritage Property designation will recognize the 43 different First Nations communities, mostly in Saskatchewan, whose children attended the Regina Indian Industrial School, and reflects the Government of Saskatchewan’s continuing commitment to truth and reconciliation.”
