What to do in Saskatoon on the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

It’s going to be a busy first day of Canada’s latest statutory holiday.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation lands on Thursday. Typically, Sept. 30 is “Orange Shirt Day,” when people wear orange and reflect on the legacy of the residential school system or participate in activities to promote healing and wellness.

The federal holiday was created in response to one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, “to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

The City of Saskatoon will be observing the holiday to “demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation and so that employees may participate in events that promote healing and awareness and reflect on the residential school legacy.”

Mayor Charlie Clark said the day is one for all Saskatonians and Canadians to “take time to honour the strength and resilience of survivors of residential schools. We acknowledge the pain that they, and their families, have carried for generations.”

In Saskatoon, events are planned throughout the day, including two concerts.

Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand on Aug. 23, 2021. (Brady Lang/650 CKOM)

Every Child Matters Concert — Saskatoon Tribal Council at SaskTel Centre, 7 p.m.

In a night for reconciliation, the event will include Indigenous speakers along with presenting Canadian country music acts Gord Bamford, George Canyon and Charlie Major.

Tickets are $30, with many still available.

Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand said Lt. Gov. Russell Mirasty is expected to speak.

“We’re going to have some cultural entertainment, listen to some country music and then make sure everybody’s following health and safety guidelines,” Arcand said.

The COVID guidelines include proof of double vaccination, a recent COVID-19 negative test or the option for rapid testing at the door, depending on supply. Masks will be mandatory.

“If you need an evening just to recharge your batteries, and just come out and have some fun … we encourage people to come out and be a part of Truth and Reconciliation,” said Arcand.

Rock for Reconciliation Concert — Capitol Music Club, 7:30 p.m.

This fundraiser will include Saskatoon band W3APONS.

Doors open at 7 p.m. with proceeds heading to Saskatchewan communities to honour the names of residential school attendees with plaques and monuments.

Lyndon J. Linklater will host the event, which is sponsored by ROCK 102.

The event is in partnership with Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

Two statues recognizing the bison that roam in Wanuskewin Park. (Logan Stein/650 CKOM)

Wanuskewin National Truth & Reconciliation Events — Wanuskewin Heritage Park, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tons of knowledge is set to be shared at Wanuskewin Heritage Park on Thursday, with 13 different events to participate in throughout the day.

The events include an Archaeology Walk with Dr. Ernie Walker, the founding board member and Chief Archaeologist of Wanuskewin, a Tipi Raising and keynote speakers, performances and presentations.

For a full list of events, click here.

Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, Every Child Matters Commemoration — 168 Wall Street, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The family event begins with a pancake breakfast until 11 a.m., with guest speakers beginning at 10 a.m.

Drumming and music will be between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. before a walk of remembrance wraps up the day at 2 p.m.

Donations from the event will be given to the United Way.

The Dakota Dunes Casino. (Photo courtesy of SIGA)

A Day of Truth and Reconciliation — Dakota Dunes Resort, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

A tipi village and fire will set the stage for dance performances along with songs performed by the Wahpeton Singers.

The event will feature multiple performances, including traditional and fancy shawl dances.

Kiskisiwin Smudge Walk, Chokecherry Studios — Kiwanis Memorial Park, 6:30 p.m.

Beginning with an opening prayer at 6:30 p.m., the Kiskisiwin Smudge Walk will be candlelit with speaker Allison Forsberg set for 8 p.m.

The event will include mandatory masking with masks and sanitizer provided by Prairie Harm Reduction and Black Lives Matter YXE.

The closing prayer is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.

City lights up orange — evening, city-wide

Multiple city buildings in Saskatoon will be lit orange the night of Sept. 30, commemorating the day.

Saskatoon City Hall, the Remai Modern, the Prairie Wind art installation and SaskTel Centre headline the buildings which will be illuminated by the colour in honour of Indigenous residential school survivors and those who did not make it home.

Other events of note

A calendar of events shared by the City of Saskatoon has more information on events in the city.

The city also says new reconciliation resources are being shared through its work with Reconciliation Saskatchewan.

Saskatoon Transit buses and other city vehicles will be displaying orange t-shirt stencils the week of Sept. 30. City social media channels and its website will also be “painted orange” and flags on city-owned facilities will be lowered to half-mast in honour of those impacted by residential schools.