The pounding of drums could be heard echoing far and wide through Victoria Park in Saskatoon Friday, with festivities underway to culture, heritage and family on National Indigenous Peoples Day. "We're here, we're valuable and it's important that we reconnect with our identity," said Janelle Desjarlais, a member of Moosomin First Nation who attended a march held in the park with her son. "That's what today means to me — raising our next generation of Indigenous children to be stronger, better, healthier, and continuing that cycle of intergenerational success.
" The crowd was a sea of orange as thousands marched at the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation. The hour-long march took place along the river, with various cultural performances along the way. Indigenous Peoples Day offers many ways to honour Indigenous culture and resilience The crowd continued to grow as people gathered after the walk for more festivities.
Drummers, dancers and singers performed and lunch was served for everyone. "It's a day put aside for our people to bring some culture and tradition here to the park," said Sanford Strongarm, the master of ceremonies of the event. "It's also a time of gathering and to meet up with new friends.
" Shawna Arcand was among those who gathered at Saskatoon's Nation Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Friday, June 21, 2024. She brought her grandchildren Isaac Arcand, left, Jordyn Arcand, centre, and three-month-old Jaydyn Arcand. (Jason Warrick/CBC) People of all age.