There was no shortage of smiles or beautiful ribbon skirts. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Reconciliation

Indigenous Day celebrations in Prince Albert promote unity and cultural pride

Jun 21, 2024 | 5:16 PM

National Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations took over Prince Albert’s Kinsmen Park on Friday.

There was live entertainment, vendors, activities for the children, and a number of cultural education sites and tipis. Lizzie Roberts came from Stanley Mission, and grew up on the trap line with seven siblings.

She was teaching about meat prep and told paNOW it’s a responsibility she takes very seriously.

“Especially with the younger people so they’ll know how we grew up and how I was raised,” she said.

Also among the cultural tents was one for traditional storytelling. Edward Stonestand from James Smith Cree Nation said it’s a need to show our people we are still out there standing.

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“Let them see and come to it and learn it again,” he said, adding times have changed, when it was once more difficult to approach an Elder and ask for help. Stonestand explained Elders today are a lot more open to passing on the teachings.

Lizzie Roberts. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The day’s events included live entertainment. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The crafts tipi was a popular destination. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Another visible attraction on the grounds was the Prince Albert Police Service’s new tipi, and earlier in the day members were guided by community partners and Elders on how to set up, take down and care for the tipi.

“On behalf of the Prince Albert Police Service, I am proud to announce the unveiling of our new tipi, a symbol of our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. This initiative aligns with our 2024 Strategic Plan and is a testament to our ongoing efforts to honour and integrate Indigenous cultures and traditions within our community,” Police Chief Patrick Nogier said in a statement.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The tipi canvas was made by an artist in Treaty 1, the poles were harvested locally in Sturgeon Lake and the artwork was completed by an artist in Treaty 6.

Moving forward the Prince Albert Police Service tipi will be set up at different events and is intended to advance public safety by celebrating culture and strengthening community connections.

The day will end with the closing ceremony at 9:00 p.m. Fireworks will take place down by the riverbank at 10:30 p.m.

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(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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