National Indigenous Peoples Day event held at Victoria Park as 30th anniversary marked

Victoria Park marked National Indigenous Peoples Day with performances, artisan markets and cultural demonstrations.

Regina’s Victoria Park was home to a celebration of culture on Friday ahead of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

The event began with the Grand Entry followed by dignitary greetings and several performances, concluding with the Grand Exit.

The celebration also included kid’s activities, an Indigenous artisan market, and interactive experiences such as a tipi demonstration, finger weaving, and beading.

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“I would say there’s a lot of family friendly activities and hands on stuff,” said Fawn Redwood, the chair of the National Indigenous Peoples Day Planning Committee. “Our vendor market is the biggest it’s ever been. So, we have approximately 35 vendors that are here today to sell their wares and show their artwork.”

Towards the end of the school year, students from around Regina had a day to see the different dances, activities and vendors.

“We try to cater to our students and the end of the school year,” Redwood said. “We decided to have it on Friday, which is accessible for students in our community to come out and participate and be able to come down to the park.

The celebration, which took place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., comes as Saskatchewan prepares to recognize the 30^th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21.

“National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time to celebrate the strength, resiliency and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples throughout Saskatchewan,” Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Eric Schmalz said in an update on Friday.

“It is also an opportunity to renew our shared commitment to reconciliation by listening, learning and working in partnership with Indigenous communities and organizations.”