Reconciliation Flag raised to signal start of season of commemoration, reflection
This morning, the City and Reconciliation Saskatoon are joining with community partners to raise the Reconciliation Flag in Civic Square on the south side of City Hall. The flag is raised to set the stage for the season of commemoration or reflection during the month of June, which marks National Indigenous History Month and includes National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21).
“As we raise the Reconciliation Flag, we remind everyone that the act of reconciliation is not just one day but a conversation that should happen every day,” says Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. “Moving towards the future we see a better Province when people come together in the spirit of reconciliation.”
“The annual raising of the Reconciliation Flag is so significant to so many in our community. It represents a commitment to Reconciliation – the process of building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples,” says Shirley Isbister, President of the Central Urban Métis Federation Incorporated (CUMFI).
The flag raising event is open to all. In addition to the raising of the flag, the event includes Indigenous performances, remarks from dignitaries, and a call to action to the Saskatoon community to engage in Reconciliation.
“We really hope that residents of Saskatoon will take advantage of all the opportunities to learn about and participate in Indigenous culture in the month ahead. There will be powwows, art exhibitions, programming at Wanuskewin, and an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration in Victoria Park. It’s important that people make an effort; Reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility,” says Kathie Pruden-Nansel, Western Region 2A Representative with Métis Nation—Saskatchewan (MN-S).
This year’s flag raising event also includes the unveiling of the City’s new Reconciliation visual identity. The design was developed through consultation with community Elders to include significant imagery capturing Saskatoon and our shared journey forward on the path to Reconciliation. A new community tipi with the visual identity hand painted onto it is also being unveiled at today’s event. More detail on the creation and use of the visual identity can be found at saskatoon.ca/Indigenous.
“Over the past several years we have seen so many people and organizations step forward and commit to the path of Truth and Reconciliation in our city,” says Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark. “These steps have been very important, and we still have much work to do as we move from words to actions. There are far too many families, children, Survivors in our community who face enormous barriers every day in our community and province. People who do not experience Saskatoon as a place of support and belonging. Let’s lean in now and build a better path by humbly recognizing the ways that have failed and boldly co-create the way forward with Indigenous partners.”
There are a number of activities happening around Saskatoon during the month of June that present opportunities to learn and get involved. A listing of just some of these is available at saskatoon.ca/Indigenous. Residents are also invited to visit Civic Square to see the raised Reconciliation Flag and reflect on its significance—it will remain raised until June 5.
NOTE: The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation that formerly took place on June 21 has been moved to September 30—the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. On June 21, the Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centre (SIMFC) will host a community celebration in Victoria Park between 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The City of Saskatoon will be participating in this event, which is open to all.