Canadians across the country will celebrate the rich history and trials and tribulations of Indigenous people on June 21st. (File Photo/ northeastNOW Staff)

By Rachel May

National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous People’s Day being recognized across the northeast

Jun 20, 2023 | 4:58 PM

Communities in the northeast are celebrating National Indigenous People’s Day in a big way.

On June 21st, Canadians far and wide are set to recognize the rich history of Indigenous people and honour the trials and tribulations they have faced in the process.

Melfort and District Museum curator Gailmarie Anderson told northeastNOW they’re starting the celebration by sharing Indigenous stories.

“We’re doing a story walk at the memorial garden and with an indigenous book,” she said. “The reconciliation group has a table, and they will be giving out information they’ve developed some beautiful bookmarks to give out to honour the day.”

There will also be information tables, exhibits, a community art project that everyone is invited to participate in, and a barbecue.

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Although Anderson said we have a long way to go in acceptance, the establishment of Reconciliation Melfort has been a tremendous asset.

“I think that there’s more openness and public knowledge. That’s what we’re trying to do. The inclusion of a group is there to educate people about Indigenous issues and culture.”

Meanwhile, the Chair of Tisdale Reconciliation Katie Adair explained that they’re celebrating the day for the first time, so they spent a lot of time making the event something to remember.

“We were able to meet with the Elder group from Kinistin Saulteaux Nation. They helped give us some guidance and direction in terms of what they’d like to see.”

The day kicks off with the raising of the Kinistin Saulteaux Nation and Metis Nation flags. There will also be an artisan market and displays with information from the Gabriel Dumont Center.

Although not all communities are celebrating the day with an event, Adair explains it’s important to use this day to explore First Nations, Inuit, and Métis culture.

“If there’s not an event in your community, I think it’s a good idea just to learn a little bit about National Indigenous peoples day,” she said. “Do a little bit of research about the history of Indigenous people. In our country and our province in our areas.”

Adair wants to thank Beeland Co-op who will be handing out cookies to attendees, The Tisdale Museum who donated the space for the event as well as the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Better Together for providing support.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM