Orange was painted across Saskatoon for NIPD’s Rock your Roots walk

A sea of orange stretched as far as the eye could see in Saskatoon as drums could be heard and traditional dancers could be seen.

The Annual Rock Your Roots walk took place at Victoria Park and River Landing in Saskatoon. Thousands came out to show their support for National Indigenous People’s Day on June 21.

Diane Boyko, chair of Greater Catholic Schools Saskatoon, was at the walk and explained its importance.

“We all gather together because this is an opportunity for us to have action,” said Boyko. “Put words to action, put movement to action, put solidarity to action.”

Truth and Reconciliation has been a main focus over the last few years and Boyko said while the progress has been good, more still needs to be done.

“We’re just on the ground floor, we’re just getting started,” said Boyko. “The opportunity we are giving all of our children to recognize what it means to be part of this journey (and) part of the solutions that bring us together as people.”

The support that was shown and felt during the walk was remarkable, and Boyko said this means we are on the right path to Truth and Reconciliation.

“There’s always opportunities that we’re given to stand up and be counted,” said Boyko. “That’s what people are doing today.”

For Jordan Favel, a Saskatoon man who was at the walk the support was overwhelming and he said some were shocked by the turnout.

“People that are older than I, talk about how this is really neat these sorts of conversations are happening,” said Favel. “And they’re at the public forefront.”

Favel also agreed the progress on Truth and Reconciliation has been good so far, but he would like to see more Indigenous bodies in the government.

“I’d love to see at the bare minimum some large shift in the political realm,” said Favel. “Indigenous people have at least 50 to 51 per cent power in the houses.”

As for Jazmine Bitternose, a Saskatoon woman who was at the walk, she had a separate issue she hopes gets fixed quickly.
“We still have a water crisis on reserves and communities,” said Bitternose.

Bitternose also said seeing the amount of people at the walk was incredible.
“In the past, I feel like there wasn’t many people showing up to our events,” said Bitternose.

Saskatoon wasn’t the only place with events as Regina also honoured the day with a walk.