YORKTON - National Indigenous Peoples Day events in Yorkton saw hundreds in attendance Friday.
Tribal Chief Isabele O’Soup said the day is another part of truth and reconciliation, adding that the process must be lived to be successful.
It’s not what you do in public it’s what you do when nobody’s watching,” she said, adding it’s what people do from their heart.
“Wow! What an incredible turnout,” noted Yorkton Mayor Mitch Hippsley as he brought greetings from the city.
Hippsley said having the day on the Summer Solstice is significant.
“It’s a day of spiritual significance. That is why we recognize it,” he said.
Hippsley said it is important the day be recognized by all.
“We are all in this together. We are all treaty people,” he said.
While acknowledging not all issues will be a addressed quickly “it’s going to take time,” said Hippsley, he added at least now “we are on the path together.”
O’Soup said the day afforded an opportunity to educate.
“Maybe learn something by being here today,” she suggested.
The day included a grand entry, short speeches by dignitaries, powwow dance demonstration, a free barbecue lunch, Bannock baking contest and more.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is “celebrated in Canada every June 21. National Indigenous Peoples Day is an official day of celebration to recognize and honour the heritage, cultures and valuable contributions to society by First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. National Indigenous Peoples Day is the same day as the summer solstice (the longest day of the year) and was chosen for its important symbolism to many Indigenous peoples (see Religion and Spirituality of Indigenous Peoples in Canada),” according to www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
