Time to Rock Your Roots YXE!
It's almost here! Don't miss out on the chance to take part in the 2023 Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation on the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, Saturday, Sept. 30. Everyone is welcome; it's a family-friendly, no cost event. Wear an orange shirt or “rock your roots” by wearing traditional clothing representing your cultural heritage.
Along the walk route, participants will see cultural performances by: Ashong Family Drummers, Confucius Institute, Magic City Chorus, and Martial Arts Academy. In Victoria Park (where the walk ends), there will be traditional Indigenous dancers and drummers and the Northern Prairie Dancers doing Métis jigging.
Event Details:
Saturday, Sept 30, 2023
10 to 11:30 a.m.
- Walk begins at CUMFI (315 Ave M S)
- Walk ends at Reconciliation Circle in Victoria Park, near the "Where Our Paths Cross" art installation (across the road from 422 Spadina Cres W)
- Following the walk, there will be short program followed by games in the park
Organizers suggest people plan to arrive early as the event site is expected to be busy. There is an optional pre-walk pancake breakfast outside CUMFI beginning at 8 a.m.
Rock Your Roots is put on by City co-chaired Reconciliation Saskatoon. The intent of this event is to answer the TRC Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and continuing work towards an inclusive community. The walk has been an annual one in Saskatoon since 2016.
Cynthia Block, Ward 6 Councillor says: “The chapter we’re writing now will be our legacy. I feel like we’re at the precipice of change in our community—I hope so. Rock Your Roots is about healing, building trust, and recommitting to reconciliation.”
Carrie Catherine, Coordinator of Reconciliation Saskatoon says: “The walk is an opportunity to honour Survivors and experience a future where Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples hold a shared understanding of our history, celebrate vibrant cultures and worldviews, have equitable systems that benefit us all, and build authentic relationships. We must listen to the truth of the past to build a better way forward.”
Melissa Cote, City of Saskatoon Director of Indigenous Initiatives says: “It’s not about surviving anymore, it’s about thriving—for our remaining Survivors and everyone affected by the residential school system. On September 30, we’ll walk together to honour all Survivors.”
Shirley Isbister, CUMFI President says: “There’s nothing better than seeing the orange shirts: it shows we’re taking a stand to make sure a new generation has a different life. We must continue to teach young people about our history, so it doesn’t repeat itself.”
Kathie Pruden Nansel, Regional Director, MN-S Western Region 2A says: “I honour all the Survivors and the way they’ve shared their truths. We need to make a commitment to them that we’ll continue making things better for all the future generations.”