REGINA — For the third year in a row the Regina International Airport has hosted the Indigenous Artisan Market.
The event was held in partnership with Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre, Canada Border Services Agency and the government of Saskatchewan.
Upwards of 20 vendors were on hand selling a wide range of Indigenous-made items. The items on sale included bannock and cookies, beads, ribbon skirts, beauty products and other items. There was also live traditional Indigenous entertainment from the Newo-Yotina dancers as well as the Buffalo Boys Drum Circle. During that portion they also had well-known pow wow emcee Howie Thomson come to do the announcing and explain the meaning behind the performances.
The event was the airport’s way of promoting reconciliation and recognizing National Indigenous People’s Day which takes place June 21.
The vendors on hand appreciated the opportunity to be there to get the word out about their products. A few had been there from the beginning in 2022 but others were there for the first time such as Kristy Derksen, owner of The Beaded Thread.
“I think it's great,” said Derksen. “I think it's part of reconciliation to have a market just to show a lot of us connecting or reconnecting to our culture because a lot of it was lost during residential school. And I think it's important that people know that we're still here and we're revitalizing our work and bringing it to the public.”
Shaena Montgrand, whose business is Spring Sweetgrass Woman, is going to school for social work and running her business on the side.
“My first time vending was here three years ago. So I've been doing this for three years now. And yeah, I'm back here again. This is my third year being here and I appreciate them having me here.”
James Bogusz, CEO of Regina Airport Authority, said the main thing about this event was “supporting the merchants —- having an opportunity for economic opportunities for these individuals who may be running a small business or perhaps are just creating these goods themselves.
“And what better showcase than to have the 15th busiest airport in Canada, offer the space, offer the facility to get this all set up.”
During the event, those on hand were encouraged to purchase and support the work of the local vendors.
The Artisan market has grown from the first year it was offered, and Bogusz expects the event will be back again next year.
“Ultimately, you know, the community really showed up today, on top of having a great opportunity to purchase things."
