By Bryan Eneas

National Aboriginal Day moves indoors

Jun 21, 2017 | 5:02 PM

It was a blustery day in the neighbourhood – so much so, National Aboriginal Day in Prince Albert was moved indoors for celebrations.

The sound of a powwow drum echoed through the Art Hauser Centre on June 21 as the Warrior Tracks drum group sang a song to welcome dignitaries, and Indigenous leaders from around Sasaktchewan into the arena.

Janet Carriere from the Prince Albert Indian Metis Friendship centre described the day as hectic. It was at 3 p.m. on June 20 when she had to shift venues from the Kinsmen Park to the Art Hauser Centre.

“It’s a change for us today; usually we’re in the park and outdoors,” Carriere said during her address.

She explained she’d rather be outdoors because she’d like to feel a closer connection to nature, but she was thankful the venues were able to be organized in time to host the celebrations.

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Grand Chief Ron Michel said the celebration of National Aboriginal Day in Prince Albert and across the country are a celebration of survival.

“We’ve survived the government, we’ve survived the systems; let’s get on, and move on, that’s what I strongly believe in,” Michel said. “I think it’s time we’re recognized as First Nations and Metis, in our culture and our languages.”

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice Chief Kimberly Johnathan stopped by the arena to take in the celebrations. In her address, she acknowledged what she called the truths of Indigenous peoples.

“I know nobody wants to talk about it, and we all think we know, but sometimes maybe, we don’t know,” Johnathan said. “Many times as a First Nations woman, I hear ‘get over it [or] how can you keep talking about that?’”

She said as a leader, she has hopes the respect she sees being built between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples continues to grow.

“That’s the only way we’re going to get through all of the tragedies that have happened,” she said.

Prince Albert Police Chief Troy Cooper was among dignitaries to address the crowd of people gathered following the 2 p.m. Grand Entry. He acknowledged the historical relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Prince Albert Police service, which was founded 10 years after the signing of Treaty 6.

“We have a community that is so rich in culture, and I find each one of them so interesting and unique,” Cooper said. “Each one of those Indigenous groups are important to us, and I encourage each one of you to learn about them.”

Booths were set up to encourage that learning which Cooper touched on. Traditional sash making was miniaturized – strands of blue and white yarn could be weaved together by those who wanted to learn about sash making.

A booth was set up dedicated solely to bannock making was set up, providing a bit of education and history about the traditional baked food.

Traditional beadwork and leather work was on display, so attendees had the opportunity to learn about the traditional garb of Cree, Dene and Dakota peoples.

The sound of the drum picked up one more time as the flags of the various Indigenous groups in attendance, along with the Saskatchewan and Canadian flags were taken down after speeches. Live entertainment from Indigenous artists carried on through the night as National Aboriginal Day celebrations wrapped up for 2017.

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas