SASKATOON — The City of Saskatoon is proud to join in the celebration of National Indigenous Month throughout June to pay tribute to the rich history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous peoples.
This annual commemoration also serves as an important occasion to acknowledge the resilience and vitality of present-day Indigenous communities.
During June, Saskatoon actively participated in numerous initiatives aimed at honouring and learning from Indigenous peoples. Here are some of the notable events that took place:
• May 29: Civic Square hosted a momentous Reconciliation Flag Raising Ceremony & Community Celebration, which marked the commencement of the month-long activities. Distinguished guests delivered speeches, and Indigenous artists gave captivating performances. The Reconciliation Flag, symbolizing the commitment to Reconciliation, flew proudly for an entire week.
• May 29: The city proudly unveiled its new Reconciliation Visual Identity and Community Tipi. Collaboratively designed with input from the community, including Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Residential School Survivors, the visual identity was hand-painted on the Community Tipi. It encompasses powerful imagery that encapsulates Saskatoon's essence and our collective journey toward Reconciliation.
• June 21: Saskatoon actively participated in the Community Celebration at Victoria Park. The newly erected Community Tipi became a focal point for the day's events, which featured tipi teachings, Elder guidance, and informative sessions on the development of the Reconciliation Visual Identity.
• June 28: The city co-presented a thought-provoking event titled "Commemoration & Renaming on the Road to Reconciliation." This captivating presentation, hosted at the Broadway Theatre, aimed to stimulate conversations about the significance of commemoration, naming, and renaming. The Métis artist and educator David Garneau expertly led the production.
Additionally, the city remains dedicated to collaborating with the Indigenous Technical Advisory Group. This esteemed group is entrusted with incorporating First Nations and Métis perspectives into the City of Saskatoon's decision-making processes to enhance the quality of life for future generations.
During Indigenous History Month, the city wishes to express gratitude for the invaluable perspectives, wisdom, and guidance provided by ITAG. To learn more about ITAG and its members, please visit saskatoon.ca/ITAG.
