The local community paid tribute to Indigenous peoples during Aboriginal Day celebrations hosted by Southeast Newcomer Services (SNS) on Thursday at the Estevan Leisure Centre.
An estimated crowd of 700 to 800 people turned out to watch First Nations drumming and dancing by the group Battle Hill. There were stories told about each of the dances, and of First Nations culture.
Kevin Haywahe from the Carry the Kettle First Nation did the bulk of the story-telling. He was joined on stage by drummers and dancers from Battle Hill.
The final dance was the round dance, in which children joined hands with members of Battle Hill and walked around the leisure centre’s courtyard in a show of solidarity.
Indigenous tacos, using bannock instead of taco shells, were served for lunch.
“I think it was a wonderful day,” said Debbie Hagel, the executive director of Southeast Newcomer Services. “We had lots of children in the audience. I think it’s wonderful for children to experience this and learn this.”
Stephanie Kane Davis, who is the program co-ordinator with SNS, was also happy with the number of people who turned out.
Hagel said she has seen Indigenous dancers over the years, and their skill made the event in Estevan feel like a powwow.
“It’s the original First Nation, Indigenous dance,” said Hagel. “It was great to hear the stories behind the dances, which were explained. You get the meaning behind the dance and the steps to the dance and the drummers, so it was really educational.”
The Métis Federation of Saskatchewan helped out with the Indigenous tacos as well.
Hagel views events like this one, as well as the raising of the Treaty 4 flag at the Leisure Centre earlier in June, as important for truth and reconciliation.
“Quite often, through Southeast Newcomer Services, we hold cultural events, and I thought it was important to showcase our Canadian First Nations culture,” said Hagel.
