‘Proud to be who I am:’ Regina marks Indigenous Peoples Day

The sound of traditional drumming and the smell of bannock filled Regina City Hall on Friday in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Due to the on-and-off rain, Robert Allin, organizer and chair of the Aboriginal City Employees of Regina, said festivities were moved partly indoors rather than being fully in Victoria Park.

However, despite the early afternoon downpour, he estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 people — mostly school children — showed up to celebrate, down from the typical 5,000.

“With short notice on the moving, to have this response and the number of people we’ve had here today at city hall, it’s absolutely incredible,” Allin said.

Great turnout at the #IndigenousPeoplesDay celebrations at Regina city hall, despite the on-and-off pouring rain. #yqr pic.twitter.com/giuAfGAwdW

— Jessie Anton (@jessieanton_) June 21, 2019

In addition to a free barbecue and bannock tasting, those in attendance had a chance to take in traditional Indigenous entertainment — like drumming, dancing and jigging. Craft booths were also set up, showcasing things such as woodcarving and Métis sash weaving.

Allin said that, to many, the day symbolizes visibility and reconciliation.

“(Indigenous people) are just saying, ‘We’re here, this is our culture and we want to move forward,’ ” he explained.

While she was taking in the dance performances in Henry Baker Hall, White Bear First Nation Cree elder Lorna Standingready had a smile on her face.

She said, to her, Indigenous Peoples Day means celebration.

“This is the day I like to show the world — to show the people — that I am in my regalia and I am proud to be who I am,” she said.

Meanwhile, it was standing room only in Henry Baker Hall for the #IndigenousPeoplesDay performances. Here’s Thomson School’s youth jigging group tearing up the makeshift dance floor. #yqr pic.twitter.com/BqugmCZXPv

— Jessie Anton (@jessieanton_) June 21, 2019

Standingready noted her dress, which was given to her by Francis ManyBears from Alberta’s Siksika First Nation, addresses the longtime feud between the Blackfoot and Cree people.

“I’m so honoured to let people know that we can put our differences aside and we can celebrate each other’s culture,” she explained. “The black (design) represents the awfulness in this unjust society at times, the red is the proud Indian woman, the deerskin colour is from the proud Mother Earth and the white is hope for the future.”

Looking around and seeing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people mark the day, Standingready hoped that they continue to take time to communicate with each other — both with their words and their actions.

“Take another step forward and say hello on the street … It’s a good time to get to know one another,” she said, adding that listening to other perspectives is key in reconciliation. “It’s nodding your head — not saying yes but nodding your head in recognition and understanding.”