Diverse line-up of events unveiled for Culture Days in Swift Current
Swift Current’s unique culture and diverse heritage will be on display during Culture Days 2021 which is being celebrated from September 24 to October 24.
The event offerings are presented though the collaboration of a series of community partner organizations ranging from the Swift Current Truth and Reconciliation Committee, the Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre, the Swift Current Agricultural and Exhibition Association, the Lyric Theatre, Swift Current Cultural Festivals, the Swift Current Museum, the Art Gallery of Swift Current, and the City of Swift Current.
“We’re really excited this year to pull it all together into one huge community celebration,” said Nicole Spenst, Community Services Events and Program Manager with the City of Swift Current. “The fact that it can be spread out over the month, from September
24th to October 24th, it really gives that opportunity for residents to check out all the amazing opportunities that are going to be taking place.”
Spent said this upcoming month of activities has a similar feel to the successful Come Together Swift Current celebration event which were hosted on August 14.
“I think that’s something that we’re very fortunate here in Swift Current. It’s the people that make a community. It’s events that help to build that community, to build relationships, to get people together, to gather to build that sense of pride. To feel accomplishments in yourself to be able to be a part of something, whether that’s by volunteering, whether that’s by being able to go out and take part in different events and feel a part of something. And I really think that that’s what the Culture Days celebration is about, an opportunity to celebrate the great things that make us unique and allow us all to find a place to feel comfortable in, to feel a part of, and become a community that values all of the great things in our community.”
“I think that’s the whole focus of Culture Days, is to just really celebrate what makes us a community and what gives us a sense of accomplishment and well being.”
A list of announced Culture Days events is as follows:
September 25 Bhangra dancers at Market Square
Organized by Swift Current Museum and Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre
Bhangra is the traditional Sikh dance style which originates from the Punjab region of South Asia.
September 21, 6 p.m. Indigenous Storytime at Swift Current Library
Organized by Swift Current Library
An eight week family literacy program with rhymes, songs, crafts and books and stories by Indigenous Authors.
Sessions are held every Tuesday through to November 9.
September 24 to 26 Ranchman’s Ridin’ & Recitin’ at Kinetic Park
Organized by the Swift Current Ag and Ex
Part of the New Frontier Fall Fair, a celebration of our western heritage, with cattle shows, western art and Cowboy Poetry. Story telling through Cowboy poetry sessions in the Stockade and park. Sessions Friday, Sept. 24, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 25, from 11 to 12:30 and 4 to 6:30, and again on Sunday, September 26 from 11 to 12:30 p.m.
September 25, 10 a.m. Orange Dream Catcher Workshop at Swift Current Library
Organized by Swift Current Library/city of Swift Current
Join Taneshea and Elder’s helper (Knowledge Keeper) Elouise Mosquito to learn how to make your own dreamcatcher and learn about its significance. Pre-register at 306778-2752.
event in honour of Orange Shirt Day which is observed on September 30.
September 27, 4 p.m. Cultural and Beading Workshop at Swift Current Library
Organized by the Swift Current Library and Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre.
A Cultural and Beading Workshop with Randi Lynn Nanemahoo-candline and Wilbur Sargunaraj from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Swift Current Branch Library. Limited spaces are available so register by calling (306) 778-2752.
September 27, 7 p.m. Reconcili-action Concert at the Lyric Theatre
Organized by the Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre
CQ World Wide reconciliaction event will feature Wilbur Sargunaraj who has developed a program where he facilitates workshops and events with Indigenous artists and educators in schools, businesses and reserves. He is currently working with Randi Lynn Nanemahoo-candline, a Cree Jingle dancer and Educator from Bigstone Cree Nation in Northern Alberta. September 27, 9:30 a.m. Flag Raising
There is a flag raising at 9:30 a.m. at the Swift Current Flag Court where the City of Swift Current will be raising for the first time both the Treaty Four flag and the flag of the Metis Nation.
October 1, 7 p.m. Burn Rubber Dolly at the Lyric Theatre
Organized by the Lyric Theatre
The Lyric Theatre will be presenting an “open rehearsal” experience of the world premiere production of Swift Current, playwright, Wendy Lockman’s new play, Burn Rubber Dolly. This will be a special interactive rehearsal with the actors and director and audience. The play was originally planned to debut in 2020, but five days before the curtain was to go up on the production COVID restrictions were initiated. The audience can interact with the performers, ask questions, make suggestions, a celebration of new play.
October 2, 10 a.m. to 4
p.m.
Exhibit on the Legacy and Atrocities of the Sixties Scoop
Organized by Swift Current Library
Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Alberta” (SSISA) to bring Canada’s National Exhibit on the Legacy and Atrocities of Sixties Scoop. Bi-giwen: Coming Home - Truth Telling from the Sixties Scoop is making a small tour across Saskatchewan at a series of libraries and other venues. The travelling exhibition is educating the public about the impact of the Sixties Scoop on the indigenous community in an effort to create a shared sense of understanding in the step towards reconciliation and healing.
October 2, 10 a.m. to 3
p.m.
Open creamics hand building workshop at Dickson Community Centre
Organized by Art Gallery of Swift Current
This open ceramics hand-building workshop will assist families or individuals who will create a unique bowl, cup or mug. Individual sessions start at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. All ages and abilities are welcome.
October 13, noon Lunch & Learn - Farm to Table at the Swift Current Museum
Organized by Swift Current Museum
Caroline Barrington will talk about Clean Spade Urban Farm, her organically grown market garden, during the noon Lunch & Learn. Also, an evening talk on the topic of Farm to Table will be presented later in October, with a yet to be announced speaker.
October 16, 1 p.m. Create A Kite, Dickson Community Centre
Organized by Swift Current Cultural Festivals and Art Gallery of Swift Current
This free Create A Kite workshop will allow participants to design and make a block print to decorate and construct your own hand built kite.