Saskatoon Celebrates National Aboriginal Day & Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation

People of all ages, classes, cultures and abilities, are invited to celebrate National Aboriginal Day and the second annual “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation today in Victoria Park.

The “Rock Your Roots” Walk begins at 10:00 a.m. and is part of many National Aboriginal Day activities being held throughout the day, beginning with a Pipe Ceremony at 7:30 a.m. Participants and groups are encouraged to celebrate their unique cultural heritage by holding or wearing traditional symbols of their culture or organizations during the “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation.

National Aboriginal Day activities and entertainment in the park will include:

• 7:30 a.m. Pipe Ceremony – open to all.
• 9:30 a.m. Gather at start line for “Rock You Roots” Walk for Reconciliation.
• 10:00 a.m. “Rock Your Roots” Walk for Reconciliation begins. Along the way, Magic City Chorus, Max Laplant, Many Nations Dancers with Wild Horse, John Arcand and the Creeland Square Dancers will perform.
• 11:30 a.m. Grand Entry of dignitaries and special guests.
• 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. Public lunch, activities and family fun including learning activities in tipis, partner exhibit booths, and an entertainment stage.

The “Rock Your Roots” Walk follows a month-long series of events launched by Reconciliation Saskatoon on May 17 to promote Reconciliation in Saskatoon. The events educate and inspire citizens on the process of Canadian reconciliation and to answer the calls.

Reconciliation Saskatoon’s theme for the Walk this year is answering the calls. Leading by example, Reconciliation Saskatoon shared videos and testimonials highlighting ways members responded to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.

Reconciliation Saskatoon is a 58 member initiative of organizations, non-profits, businesses and partners who have come together towards one mission: to initiate a citywide conversation about reconciliation and provide opportunities for everyone to engage in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/reconciliation, www.OTC.ca or phone the Office of the Treaty Commissioner at 306-244-2100.

The City of Saskatoon’s commitment to the TRC’s Calls to Action supports the City’s Corporate Strategic Goal of Quality of Life by identifying actions for enhancing Aboriginal well-being and participation in our community.