(Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Proud of our culture

Prince Albert celebrates National Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Jun 21, 2023 | 3:32 PM

Jake Felix says National Indigenous Peoples’ Day is about reconciliation and bringing people together from all races to learn about indigenous culture.

The elder and whistle carrier from Sturgeon Lake First Nation delivered the remark just after Wednesday’s grand entry parade in Prince Albert. Events were held all day along the riverbank.

Felix later noted for paNOW that one of the biggest challenges facing Indigenous people in the city is homelessness. He then acknowledged that further down the riverbank, not far from the celebrations, was the home for many homeless, and many of whom are Indigenous.

“It’s shameful for me to come to town,” he said, encouraging elected leaders to come up with a plan.

Richard Ahenakew, general manager of the Northern Lights Casino, also delivered some opening remarks, and addressed the city’s homeless population.

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He encouraged the crowd to remember the homeless are people too and to support service agencies like the food bank.

“They are such an important part of supporting the community and we don’t always acknowledge them,” he said.

Accompanied by Councillor Tony Head, Mayor Greg Dionne delivered remarks on behalf of the city and reminded the crowd that 46 per cent of the city’s population is Indigenous people.

“You are a powerful, economic force in our community,” he said.

Farica Prince, deputy chief of the Prince Albert Police Service, is from Sioux Valley Manitoba, a non-Treaty Dakota reserve. She explained the demonstration of reconciliation witnessed on the riverbank is very important.

“So many people ask why is National Indigenous Peoples’ Day important. Because for far too many generations we weren’t allowed to gather. We weren’t allowed to share our customs, our culture, our language and our traditions and so it’s important for a lot of people,” she explained.

Prince offered words of encouragement to both people who are reconnecting with their culture as well as the young cadets that gathered.

“You guys are walking well in both worlds,” she said.

Prince Albert Police Service Deputy Chief Farica Prince. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) YES program runs cadets every Wednesday at the Margo Fournier building. Rick Sanderson, Director of Justice for PAGC, spoke on behalf of the cadet program.

“I started the program to keep our kids focused,” he explained to paNOW, noting they come from a number of First Nations around Prince Albert.

Roughly 50 are registered for the program and over two dozen were involved in Wednesday’s celebration. Cadet Kaylen Laprise lives in Prince Albert but is a member of Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation. She was asked what National Indigenous Peoples’ Day means to her.

“It means we are proud of who we are and we can celebrate that now and we don’t have to hide it,” she said.

Laprise’s great grandfather fought in the Second World War and so she added she was there also to show her respect and pride for his service to the country.

A dancer performs during Wednesday’s opening ceremony. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Wednesday’s celebration brought generations together. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Jake Felix joins Iron Swing in the singing of the Flag Song. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Wednesday’s celebrations are as much for the next generation of leaders as they are current ones. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

PAGC Vice-Chief Joseph Tsannie stands with Dallon Sanderson, who was one of the eagle staff carriers. (NIgel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

There was a long lineup for the fish fry. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Wednesday’s celebrations also included a number of demonstrations, storytelling, a round dance and a fish fry. Later in the day there’s a fireworks show at 10 p.m. And prior to the grand entry, there was also a unity parade at Kinsmen Park.

(Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

(Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twiiter: @nigelmaxwell

— with files from Jaryn Vecchio