Annual Events
Indigenous History Month (June)
In June, a number of events are held and resources made available so as to honour and learn from Indigenous Peoples.
June Calendar of Events
2024
JUNE | Reconciliation Walking Tour |
Indigenous History Month is the perfect time to visit places around Saskatoon that speak to the process of Reconciliation including public art installations, sites of historical significance, renaming initiatives, and unique Indigenous and non-Indigenous partnerships. More info and Walking Tour Booklet available on this page under 'Know Your Roots'. |
JUNE | Read for Reconciliation |
Make a commitment to Read for Reconciliation by accessing the Saskatoon Public Library. Search "Reconciliation". |
JUNE |
Explore BeAConnectR.org Website - Resources for Reconciliation |
Reconciliation Saskatoon's BeAConnectR website helps you choose your next steps towards reconciliation. Find calls to action to grow what you know, encourage a shared future, and generate change. Link here. |
JUNE | Art Exhibitions |
Wanuskewin Heritage Place hosts Indigenous art exhibitions during the month of June. Inquire directly to confirm details. |
June 5-8 | Ācimowin (Storytelling) Indigenous Film Festival |
The inaugural Ācimowin (Storytelling) Film Festival will take place in Saskatoon June 5-8, 2024 at the Remai Modern, Roxy Theatre, and Broadway Theatre. This festival is dedicated to elevating Indigenous narratives, fostering Indigenous language revitalization, and empowering youth. The ultimate goal is to foster connections between communities and provide audiences with a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives through the power of cinema. acimowinfilmfestival.com |
June 6 & 13 | Red Willow Tipi Workshop |
Learn how to create your own red willow tipi through this workshop hosted by Lyndon J. Linklater at Remai Modern's Cameco Learning Studio. Linklater was taught this skill by an Elder from the Whitecap Dakota First Nation. Red willow tipis are a unique form of art. This two-part workshop will take place over two evenings, one week apart: Thursday, June 6 and Thursday, June 13 from 6-9 PM. Purchase tickets here |
June 21 | Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation |
In 2024, the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation will move back to its original date of June 21—National Indigenous Peoples' Day. This will allow organizers, participants and Survivors to engage more with students. The walk starts out at 10 am from CUMFI (315 Avenue M S). The walk ends in Victoria Park where a brief program and park activities are hosted until 12 p.m. All are welcome. |
June 21 |
National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration |
The Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centre (SIMFC) has typically partnered with community to host a community celebration in Victoria Park, which the City of Saskatoon participates in. Watch the SIMFC Facebook Page for updates on 2024 |
June 21 |
Wanuskewin Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration |
Wanuskewin hosts an Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration that includes a full day of activities for the entire family including guided walks through the valley; traditional game stations; Amphitheatre performances; keynote speakers. The galleries, exhibits, playground, gift shop and restaurant are open for the day as well. Call Wanuskewin directly to confirm program details. |
June 21 |
Dakota Dunes Resort - Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration |
The Dakota Dunes Resort often holds a celebration. Check with the resort to confirm details. |
June 29-30 |
Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Veterans Traditional Powwow |
Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Veterans Traditional Powwow. More info at muskeglake.com |
Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21)
June 21 has been recognized annually as National Indigenous Peoples Day (formerly National Aboriginal Day) since 1996. For generations, many Indigenous communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the Summer Solstice as the longest day of the year. This is a day to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of Indigenous people.
Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation
The City of Saskatoon, in its role as Co-Chair of Reconciliation Saskatoon, helps organize the annual Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation. The significance of a walk can be attributed to the Sunday walks in residential schools; often the only time when siblings and cousins might be reunited. Walkers are encouraged to wear an Every Child Matters orange shirt. Cultural performers from our community 'rock their roots' along the route to show their support and celebrate Saskatoon's incredible diversity.
2024 Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation
Friday, June 21, 2024
10 AM - Walk begins, departing CUMFI (315 Ave M S)
10:30 to 12 PM - Walk ends in Victoria Park at the Reconciliation Circle Art Installation (across the road from 422 Spadina Cres W). Following the walk, there is a brief program in the park and activities for the family.
VIDEO: Building the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation
VIDEO: History of Rock Your Roots
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Sept 30)
Since 2013, Canada has recognized September 30 as Orange Shirt Day—a day to acknowledge the impacts of residential schools. In 2021, in the wake of locating unmarked graves at residential schools across Canada, the federal government passed legislation to also designate September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
> News Release - City to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept 30, 2021) as Stat
Wearing orange on September 30 continues to be one way to honour residential school survivors, their families, and those who didn’t make it home.
Round Dance & Feast (March)
The City was thrilled to partner with community in offering its first Community Round Dance & Feast on March 28, 2024 at the Cosmo Civic Centre. A round dance is a traditional event in Indigenous culture that celebrates the unity of the community and its people. The theme for this event was miyo pimatisiwin or “the good life for all”. The event was open to everyone.
Watch a short clip of the City's Round Dance on Facebook. Or check out these helpful videos on round dances to learn more about round dances:
University of Alberta – Round Dance 101: What to Know Before Your First Dance