Join us for the City’s third annual Round Dance and Feast

The City’s third annual Round Dance and Feast is taking place this Friday, March 27 at the Cosmo Civic Centre.

A Round Dance is a traditional event in First Nations culture that celebrates community unity through the coming together of the community and its people. The theme for this event is miyo-pimatisiwin (MEE-oh pim-MOT-tis-oo-win), which means “the good life for all” in the Plains Cree language.

“We’re very proud to host this community Round Dance and Feast where everyone is welcome,” says Melissa Cote, Director of Indigenous Initiatives. “Round Dances bring the community together which cultivates a sense of unity and belonging for all people regardless of their age, culture or background.”

The City’s objectives in holding this event include responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's (TRC) Calls to Action, demonstrating its commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), building relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, and demonstrating that the City of Saskatoon’s commitment to Reconciliation is not just words on paper.

Community members and City of Saskatoon employees have volunteered their time to ensure everything from set up to take down runs smoothly.

The City also received financial support from external partners to help cover the costs associated with hosting the Round Dance and Feast. “We’re grateful for the generous financial support from The Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Affinity Credit Union, the Saskatoon Public Library and the Government of Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations Unit. We thank these organizations for contributing and helping us create an event that brings our community together,” says Cote.

The Round Dance and Feast is a family-friendly, alcohol and drug free event. The community feast takes place from 3:00-6:00 p.m. and the round dance begins at 6:00 p.m.

Media please note: Videography or photography of the feast is not permitted out of respect for ceremonial practices. Videography and photography of the round dance is permitted except when smudging and praying is happening during the giveaway ceremony and during the first dance. We request that any interviews with City of Saskatoon spokespeople take place on Friday morning, as we will not be able to accommodate interviews at the event.