La Ronge Mayor Colin Ratushniak, Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson and Air Ronge Mayor Julie Baschuk. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

coming together

Tri-community residents celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day

Jun 21, 2021 | 3:26 PM

The urban reserve in La Ronge was buzzing with positive energy Monday as residents came together to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.

The festivities came after Air Ronge Mayor Julie Baschuk, La Ronge Mayor Colin Ratuskniak and Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson issued a press release last week announcing the cancellation of events for Canada Day. They decided to put an emphasis on National Indigenous Peoples Day instead and their decision was supported by the Federation of Indigenous Nations and Prince Albert Grand Council, both of which sent representatives for Monday’s opening ceremony.

“I’m proud to be a Canadian and I’m proud to be a Cree woman,” Cook-Searson said. “It’s just a time to pause and a time to reflect on the children that didn’t make it home.”

Cook-Searson is referring to the remains of 215 children who were recently discovered at Kamloops Indian Residential School, as well as the countless others who died while attending those institutions. She explained the band has been in contact with SNC-Lavalin about utilizing ground-penetrating radar at the former Lac La Ronge All Saints Indian Residential School site and cemetery located just meters from where today’s festivities took place.

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Cook-Searson mentioned locating the remains in Kamloops has been emotional for many local residents as she has heard by people the 215 could be just the tip of the iceberg.

“We have a lot of strengths and we have a lot to be proud of,” she said. “We also have a lot of dark history we have to reflect on and time to think about. How do we continue to move forward from here and how do continue to work together?”

There were activities available for attendees of all ages. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Sewing demonstrations are also ongoing at the urban reserve. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Educational displays are set up to provide teachings about Indigenous cultures. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

National Indigenous Peoples Day in La Ronge began with a pipe ceremony followed by a parade and smudge walk at 11 a.m. There were speeches by dignitaries, then attendees were invited to participate in several outdoor activities occurring throughout the day. Fireworks are also expected to occur this evening.

Cumberland NDP MLA Doyle Vermette was in attendance for the event and he said the recent outpour of support has been appreciated by residents. He also wanted to give credit to the tri-community leadership.

“I want to acknowledge the tri-community for standing together very strongly and making a statement,” Vermette said. “I’m proud to be part of the tri-community, I’m proud to be an Indigenous person. It’s not easy talking about certain topics, but they took the challenge and they’ve done it.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno