Events are occurring at the urban reserve and Patterson Park in La Ronge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

observing

National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrated in La Ronge

Jun 21, 2023 | 2:57 PM

Hundreds of residents of the tri-communities are coming together on Wednesday to celebrate and observe National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Festivities began with an honour walk and parade starting at 11 a.m. from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band office to the urban reserve located downtown La Ronge.

The urban reserve, as well as Patterson Park, is the location of several traditional activities including moose hide preparation, birch bark basket making, paddle making, Cree language teachings, hands-on healing, art therapy, beading, traditional medicine teachings and more.

Students were being bussed to the site, while many other residents came by themselves or with others to enjoy the festivities. Several dignitaries attended the event as well, including Cumberland MLA Doyle Vermette who told the crowd it is important for Indigenous Peoples to share their culture, pride, language, wisdom and stories.

“We talk about truth and reconciliation, and I think it’s important that we truly ask our leaders, whether they are non-Indigenous, to make sure they follow through on what they have said. It’s important for all us to have our government people respect that and work with us and consult in a meaningful way,” he said.

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“Let’s all celebrate. Let’s share our knowledge, let’s show respect for one another, let’s truly open up our hearts and minds and our culture to non-Indigenous Peoples to make sure they feel welcome and a part of it and not pushing them away that we don’t want to share.”

Hundreds of people came and went from the events throughout the day. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

The urban reserve was a busy place on Wednesday with many different structures set up. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

National Indigenous Peoples Day events will continue throughout the day until 10 p.m. and will start again on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, Canadians recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada. According to the Government of Canada, for generations many Indigenous groups and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on June 21, or around that time of year, because of the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno