2018 National Indigenous Peoples Day Mamawinitowin Mocikihtawinihkewin
Grassick Park was abuzz with various activities by mid afternoon on June 21/2018. A Grand Entry was followed by powwow dance and Métis jigging demonstrations, lacrosse demonstrations, Métis jigging instruction, traditional Aboriginal storytelling and Cree BINGO for the Elders. The cultural tent included various colourful and interesting storyboards, including eight new boards on the Métis Culture. Family activities included a photo booth, traditional hand game demos, Indigenous themed arts and crafts, face painting and inflatable bouncers. The community barbeque saw a huge crowd once again.
This year marked our first ever Indigenous Battle of the Bands to support Indigenous musicians. Four bands, chosen from the many entries, competed against each other for the trophy and title of best Indigenous Band. Between performances, special entertainment from Circle Project’s Cultural Connections for Kids program, had the young children from this program perform the drumming and singing they learned; filling all who watched with pride. The evening concluded with a community round dance.
Community partners Circle Project, ICF & REACH would like to thank our major sponsors, City of Regina, SaskCulture, Government of Canada, K+S Potash Canada and Rawlco Radio. We would also like to thank our event supporters, SaskEnergy, Saskatchewan Writers Guild, Unifor Local 1S, North Central Community Association, Loraas Disposal, Street Culture Project and Tim Horton’s 4th Avenue location. The generous support from sponsors and supporters helped make our 2018 National Indigenous Peoples Day Mamawinitowin Mocikihtawinihkewin – ‘Our Community Celebration’ an amazing success. Thank you for helping us to celebrate Indigenous people and culture in our community!
Grand Entry is set to begin!
Jason Isbister carrying ICF Eagle Staff and Muhammed Fiaz, MLA for Regina Pasqua carrying the Saskatchewan Flag as they participate in the Grand Entry.
Mayor Michael Fougere carrying the City of Regina Flag while participating in the Grand Entry.
Jeff Shattler, Saskatchewan Rush carrying the Metis Nation Saskatchewan Flag while participating in the Grand Entry.
Bob Cantin, Circle Project Council President carrying the Circle Project Flag while participating in the Grand Entry.
Chief Ira McArthur from Pheasant Rump Nakota Nation participating in Grand Entry.
Carla Beck, MLA for Regina Lakeview, Mark Docherty, MLA, Speaker of the House and Nicole Sauer, MLA for Regina Douglas Park participating in the Grand Entry.
NIPD Committee Member Ann Perry, Circle Project Executive Director participating in the Grand Entry.
NIPD Committee member Bert Adema, Indigenous Christian Fellowship Executive Director participating in the Grand Entry.
Kokum Lorna Standingready, REACH Elder with NIPD Committee member Dana Folkersen, REACH Executive Director participating in the Grand Entry.
NIPD Committee members watching Dance Demonstrations.
O’Kanata, the Cree version of O’ Canada was sung by Tyler Reyes with Circle Project Elder Noel Starblanket.
Indigenous Men and Women participating in Pow Wow Demonstrations.
Indigenous men participating in Pow Wow Demonstrations.
Indigenous boy participating in Pow Wow Demonstrations.
Young Indigenous boys participating in Pow Wow Demonstrations.
Indigenous man participating in Pow Wow Demonstrations.
Indigenous Women and children participating in Pow Wow Demonstrations.
Indigenous women and girls participating in Pow Wow Demonstrations.
Young Metis Jigger from Kitchener School participating in Jigging Demonstrations.
Young Metis Jiggers from Kitchener School participating in Jigging Demonstrations.
Children from Circle Project’s Cultural Connections for Kids program drumming with their teacher Russell Paskemin.
Children from Circle Project’s Cultural Connections for Kids program drumming with their teacher Russell Paskemin.
Children from Circle Project’s Cultural Connections for Kids program singing in Cree with their teacher Chastity Delorme.
Children from Circle Project’s Cultural Connections for Kids program singing in Cree with their teacher Chastity Delorme.
Sgt. Barry Ledoux, RCMP – Aboriginal Policing, Chief Evan Bray, Regina Police Service with Officer from RPS.
Ann Perry, Circle Project Executive Director and Elizabeth Popowich, Manager, Public Information & Strategic Communication at Regina Police Service.
Lacrosse Demonstration by Standing Buffalo Fighting Sioux Bantam & Midget lacrosse teams.
Thank you Erroll Kinistino, Elvie Stonechild and Jeremy Pilon for agreeing to judge our first ever Indigenous Battle of the Bands Competition.
1st Place Band – Reckless Famous with our esteemed Judges, Congratulations!
2nd Place Band – Young Country with our esteemed Judges, Congratulations!
3rd Place Band – Fire Water with our esteemed Judges, Congratulations!
Staff from Circle Project’s Children’s Centre and Infant & Toddler Centre
