Indigenous Awareness Hub

Text: Listen, Learn, Act, Honour

It is important that we learn more about First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, cultures and experiences, and work together toward Truth and Reconciliation. According to the 2021 Census data, 17 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population self-identified as Indigenous; the population is younger and expected to keep growing hence cultural leaders must build their understanding of change needed to increase the participation of Indigenous peoples in the cultural eco-system in the province.

Ready to begin?

  1. Learn more about Truth and Reconciliation by reading, and then committing to take action, on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
  2. Watch/Listen/Read to build understanding of the experiences of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in Canada. There are many resources that share how residential schools sought to “kill the Indian in the child” by removing children from their families in the effort to destroy the cultural identities and family structures of Indigenous peoples. Check out resources to learn more.

Next, take action...

  1. Attend events and activities hosted by Indigenous groups and leaders to help build understanding and relationships with Indigenous peoples in the province.
  2. Connect and partner with Indigenous cultural leaders to build inclusive programming and services.
  3. Honour Indigenous peoples by recognizing their outstanding achievements by celebrating National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.
  4. Seek to better understand First Nations, Métis and Inuit experiences by taking part in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation each year.
  5. Take meaningful steps towards Truth and Reconciliation.

Attend

Joining celebrations of Indigenous peoples’ achievements is an important part of building relationships with First Nations and Métis people in the province, as is participating in events and dates that publicly commemorate the painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools.

Here are some of the events taking place across the province to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in 2024:

Assiniboia

Sept. 30: Treaty 4 Presentation

Climax

Sept. 30: Every Child Matters' Beadwork pins

Estevan

Sept. 30: National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Lunch

Melfort

Sept. 27: Honouring Resiliency: A Community Gathering for National Truth and Reconciliation Day

LLoydminster

Sept. 29-30: Cultural Connections - Turtle Teachings and Bannock

Sept. 29-30: Cultural Connections - Tipi Teachings and Dream Catchers

Sept. 29-30: Cultural Connections - Metis trapper tent with Metis Local 18

Sept. 29-30: Cultural Connections - Community Art Project

Sept. 29-30: Cultural Connections - Hair Teachings

Porcupine Plain

Sept. 30: Fry Bread & Stew: Cook, Eat & Connect

Prince Albert

Sept. 30: Artist Talk and Walk with Leah Marie Dorion

Sept. 30: Free Historical Museum Admission

Regina

Sept. 27: FNUniv Smudge Walk – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sept. 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day

Sept. 30: Orange Shirt Day at mâmawéyatitân centre

Sept. 30: Honoring Their Spirits Gathering at Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre

Sept. 30: RIIS Commemorative Association's Annual Memorial Feast

Rosthern

Sept. 30: Rosthern Healing Walk & Gathering for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Saskatoon

Sept. 21: Walking Together For Truth and Reconciliation Sharing Circle Gathering - 2024

Sept. 23-30: USask - Events for a week of reflection on Truth and Reconciliation

Sept. 26: MN-S film screenings at the Roxy Theatre: Bones of Crows and Waiting for Justice: Discovering the Legacy of Île-à-la-Crosse Residential School

Sept. 26: Truth and Reconciliation - Coming Together for Collective Healing

Sept. 29-30: “Every Child Matters” – In Honour of Reconciliation Pow Wow 2024

Sept. 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Wanuskewin

Sept. 30: Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk

Shaunavon

Sept. 30: Library Story Walk and Indigenous Games

Sept. 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Tipi Raising Ceremony & Bannock Demonstration

Tisdale

Sept. 27: Reconciliation Walk

Wynyard

Sept. 30: Truth and Reconciliation Walk

Yorkton

Sept. 30: Orange Shirt Day

There are many events and activities throughout the year that people can join to gain a better understanding of Indigenous peoples and cultures. Check out the provincial Events Calendar for some of the many activities that take place each year throughout the province.

Watch

Listen

Learn

Read

Act

Connect

Some of the resoures identified in this list were excerpted from Celebrating Orange Shirt Day, prepared by the Regina Chamber of Commerce.