People of all ages gathered inside Henry Baker Hall at Regina City Hall to hear speeches and view performances. (Photos: Moises Canales/620 CKRM)
National Indigenous Peoples Day kicked off in downtown Regina late Friday morning with festivities taking place at City Hall.
This is the seventh time this event has been held in the Queen City, offering the public a chance to learn more about Indigenous peoples while celebrating Métis, First Nations and Inuit cultures.
The action started in downtown with people of all ages viewing performances from dancers and a drum circle inside the hall. Students also had the opportunity to participate in games and activities throughout the late morning/early afternoon.
“To have the schools learn about Indigenous cultures, to have the support of our community, the diversity that we have here, it’s incredible,” said Robert Allin, who is the Chair of the Aboriginal City Employees for the City of Regina and a committee member for the event.
TOP: Citizens crammed into City Hall’s entrance to watch the Grand Entry for National Indigenous Peoples Day in Regina. BOTTOM: Students perform dances they’ve learned to family and friends in Henry Baker Hall.
Allin explained that each exercise coincided with a specific aspect of Indigenous cultures, allowing youth to engage in each aspect of Indigenous Peoples Day.
Sash weaving, red river pelts and different dances were incorporated into the Métis activities. First Nations art, exhibits and dancers, and Inuit games were also a part of the day.
Among the numerous volunteers and organizers participating at the City Hall portion of the day were the Regina Police Service and Regina Fire Department. Officers and firefighters gave students a tour of their vehicles and answered their questions.
For Allin, he said seeing everyone come together for this special celebration means everything to him.
“There are many different cultures here, we’re able to answer any questions and learn together,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
From 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., the festivities will be continuing over at Casino Regina.
The latter half of the celebrations will then be featured at Grassick Park beginning at 3:00 p.m. with more performances. If the weather cooperates, a fireworks show will take place in the evening.
