National Aboriginal Day brings community together
National Aboriginal Day (NAD) is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, the three groups recognized as Aboriginal people in the Canadian Constitution.
NAD takes place on Wednesday, and there are some exciting activities planned in Regina to help mark the occasion.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Victoria Park, a large celebration is being put on by the City of Regina and several community partners such as Regina Public Library (RPL).
“Especially in light of the Truth and Reconciliation Report, it’s important that all of us celebrate National Aboriginal Day,” said Tanya Rogoschewsky, RPL lead of adult and young adult programming. “We felt it was a great opportunity for us to be part of bigger group working to celebrate the day. The whole idea of community and downtown community coming together to celebrate this is important.”
The event begins with the Grand Entry and opening prayer led by an elder. Greetings will be brought by Mayor Fougere, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and other dignitaries.
Bannock and cake will be available in the park in celebration of the day. There will be two tipis erected on site, with elders available for discussion and knowledge sharing. On the main stages, people can enjoy a mixture of traditional and modern performances, including a Métis jig from Courtney Anaquad, a powwow performance by the Charging Bear Performance Group and a hip-hop performance by Brad Bellegarde.
RPL will have a booth at the event highlighting its Indigenous collection and programming. The library is also one of the lead partners in the children’s area and is partnering with Cree Language Instructor and Knowledge Keeper Bill Cook for the ultimate educational experience. Children will be able to have their name written in Cree syllabics on a rock and be able to decorate the rock.
Building on the momentum of NAD, RPL is also hosting a talking circle featuring Elder Norma Jean Byrd on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Central Library (2311 12 Ave).
“It’s important for us to use National Aboriginal Day as a learning opportunity,” Rogoschewsky said. “We want to emphasize the educational aspect of RPL and promote the Indigenous programming we have going on throughout the year.”
Following the event, you can head over to Grassick Playground in North Central for an annual celebration put on by the Circle Project Association, Indian Métis Christian Fellowship and REACH Regina. It runs from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m.
It will be a historic celebration, as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the event.
“The celebration has evolved significantly,” said Natasha Wesaquate, chair of the organizing committee. “In the beginning, there was just a barbecue and a bike parade. It has grown from a crowd of 50 people to last year having 1,500 people at the park. It started off in a parking lot and now takes place in one of the largest playgrounds in the North Central community.”
The event is referred to as “Mamawinitowin Mo-cikihtawinihkewin,” a Cree phrase meaning, “Our Community Celebration”.
“This event brings the community together and we keep everything free to ensure that some of our most vulnerable individuals have the opportunity to celebrate and are included,” Wesaquate said.
The event officially kicks off with the grand entry at 3 p.m. and opening remarks from dignitaries. From there, those in attendance will be treated to dance demonstrations, from the traditional powwow dance to the Red River jig, a traditional dance of the Métis people.
There will be a number of family activities throughout the day, including Dino Bouncers and face painting for the children, a craft area where people can make paper plate dream catchers and a family photo tent. A tipi will also be on display. Lacrosse demonstrations will be put on by The Fighting Sioux team out of Standing Buffalo First Nation.
Wesaquate said that one of the most popular features of the event is the culture tent, which is the ultimate learning opportunity for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to become immersed in the culture. A popular activity within the tent for elders is Cree bingo, which helps promote the Cree language.
From 5-6 p.m., there will be a barbecue featuring hot dogs, burgers, fruit and other snacks. People will have the chance to sit back, enjoy a meal and take in performances by some Aboriginal entertainers.
With this being the 20th edition of the event, Wesaquate noted organizers wanted to go all out to make it special. Upon the conclusion of the event, people can make their way to the old Saskatchewan Roughriders practice field for a fireworks show at 10 p.m.
On NAD, you can also stop by the Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for some exciting activities. There will be crafts until 2 p.m. including birch bark paper biting and paper parfleche envelopes. From 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30-2:30 p.m. you can learn how First Nations hunters used the atlatl 5,000 years ago and try it yourself. Elder Hazel Dixon will also share stories and celebrate the unique history of Aboriginal people. Story times are half an hour in length and are at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 pm.
Currently, the RSM has a Treaty 4 exhibit titled “We Are All Treaty People,” highlighting the Paskwa Pictograph.