REGINA — The City of Regina celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day in Victoria Park on Friday.
Canada began celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day in 1996 so the country could recognize and reflect on the various Indigenous cultures.
Various schools from across Saskatchewan participated in this year's event, including Mother Teresa Middle School.
Evan Whitestar, Indigenous Advocate at Mother Teresa Middle School, performed the powwow song and dance.
“[This dance is how] we tell our story and how we promote healing and mental awareness.”
Whitestar stressed the importance of bringing youth to this event.
“[This] means that our culture is going to survive to the next generation,” he said. “It's so revitalizing to see young people take control of this ceremony and allow us to showcase who they are.”
“We wanted to make sure that we have this opportunity to bring the teachings, the lessons, the cultural aspects to students as we grow, because they're the future,” said Chelsea Steenbock, chair for the National Indigenous Peoples Day Committee.
As part of the event, Steenbock said there’s Métis fiddling, dancing, jiggling, and areas where people can learn about tipi teaching, Indigenous storytelling and Red River cart building.
People could also engage in various markets selling ribbon skirts, clothing, handmade items and more.
For this event, Steenbock said she loves how it brings people together.
“It doesn't matter who you are [or] where you come from [as] we're all connected in that way.“
As for Whitestar, he hopes to continue his ancestor's legacy of creating a world accepting of their people.
