TISDALE — A full lineup of cultural performances and activities is planned for the Tisdale Reconciliation Committee’s National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at the Tisdale Museum on June 20.
The event will feature several Indigenous artists, including Métis fiddle player Lucas Welsch, who will perform during the lunch hour and again in the afternoon as part of the music and dance program.
Brae-Lynn Lai, youth representative for the Saskatchewan Métis Nation, Tisdale Local 222, is returning for a second year to perform a traditional dance.
Kendra Thomas-Smokeyday, a jingle dancer, will also return. She was the sole dancer at the community’s first Indigenous Peoples Day celebration two years ago and performed again last year.
“We are so grateful that she is joining us a third time, travelling a great distance to be with us this year. We can't wait to see Kendra perform the jingle dress dance,” the Tisdale Reconciliation Committee said in a social media post.
Other performers include Jedaiah Kishayinew, who will dance the contemporary fancy shawl, and Mar Severight of the Kinistin Saulteaux Nation.
“We are so excited to feature the fabulous performers who have agreed to share their talents and culture through music and dance at the June 20 celebration for National Indigenous Peoples Day,” the committee stated.
A Métis youth dance group from Warman will also take part. Performers include Eva Kambeitz, 10; Medlyn Girling, 12; Sophia Kambeitz, 13; and Miley (surname and age not provided), who will perform the Red River Jig.
National Indigenous Peoples Day was first proclaimed in 1996 by then-Governor General Roméo LeBlanc. Held annually on June 21, the day coincides with the summer solstice—the longest day of the year and one of deep spiritual importance for many Indigenous cultures.
It serves as a celebration of Indigenous resilience and identity, and as a time for reflection on reconciliation efforts, according to the History of Social Change biography.
Highlights of the day include:
- Flag-raising ceremony at 11 a.m.
- Free barbecue lunch by Riverside Co-op from noon to 1:30 p.m.
- Artisan market and cultural displays
- Free bannock tasting, made by Renee Tremblay
- Education stations
- Tisdale and Area Early Childhood Family Support Centre on-site with activities for children aged 0–5
- Friendship Dance to conclude the day at 2:30 p.m.
