‘Change is happening:’ peaceful protesters take over Saskatoon’s downtown in rally, march

Around two thousand people marched through Saskatoon’s downtown Thursday, looking to raise awareness about racism following the death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

Floyd, a black man, was killed on May 25. Since Floyd’s death, protests against police brutality, racial and social injustice, and equality have been seen around the globe.

The peaceful protesters brought signs to the rally and march, which began at Saskatoon city hall.

As the crowds circulated downtown, Faiza Abdiner marched through the crowds. She saw Thursday’s demonstration as a sign of hope.

“Racism happens everywhere,” she said. “It’s very indirect in Canada. We want to see peace, even though we can’t eradicate racism, I’m seeing a shift in Canada,” she said, locking arms with a fellow protester.

With protesters of every skin colour, race, background and cultural identity marching as one, Abdiner said it all means one singular thing:

“It means change is happening.”

Protesters remained peaceful throughout, as they made their way through the downtown core. They all stopped at Saskatoon police headquarters to kneel, and chant.

“No peace, no justice.” #yxeprotest #yxe pic.twitter.com/JrbJSuaDGx

— brady lang (@BradyLangSK) June 5, 2020

“No justice, no peace,” the crowd continued to say throughout the Thursday evening process.

Nahema-bea Tchokonte Deudjeu stood beside her mom as crowds chanted for justice.

“(The protest) shows that a lot of people actually care, and we can be the change,” she said.

Tchokonte Deudjeu says she sees what needs to change in today’s society.

“(It’s) people’s mindset. There’s a lot of thoughts going on, stereotypes going on through society. On and on. People need to know that those stereotypes are not true. Change their mindset,” she explained. “Everybody is involved… we’re all in this together.”

Mary Mike, unable to walk in the protest, watched from her vehicle near TCU Place.

The 85-year-old said she travels in a wheelchair, but was happy with what she saw in Saskatoon’s downtown.

“It’s all coming together. Everybody is coming together. There’s a lot of people here, it’s nice to see them,” Mike said.

Jacelyn Lerat-Nighttraveller was with Mike as the protest continued. She said the protest was emotional and was happy to see everyone marching as one.

“I am First Nation, this hits. We go through the same thing. It’s just very important for our society,” she said through tears.

The crowds gathered near the Delta Bessborough, where an 8 minute and 46 second moment of silence was held. That was the same amount of time that now-fired police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck on May 25 in Minneapolis.

Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder, which was upgraded to second-degree murder Wednesday.

Protesters then moved through, back to city hall where chants rang out through the streets.

The crowd slowly began to disperse, with some sticking behind to talk to police officers, holding the peace near city hall.

Abdiner also added an important factor of the Thursday “Justice for Floyd” rally in Saskatoon, something that was extremely important to her, and many others during the rally.

“We are all protesting as one. I’m grateful for that.”