This summer has been so hectic as we work hard to make many exciting changes to our child care centres. At the Children’s Centre many improvements are being made to our yard and with the addition of two murals, our children will have amazing new spaces to explore, learn and play in. Special thanks to the volunteer youth from the Gentle Road Church of Christ for all their hard work painting at both of our childcare centres. Here is a sneak peek of the beautiful murals they completed at the Children’s Centre. Stay tuned for more updates on the changes we are making.
Circle Project held its 2nd Anniversary Round Dance with a pipe ceremony and feast on March 15, 2019 in a continued celebration of their community service. Staff and volunteers busily prepared food and readied the Mâmawêyatitân Centre for the event. Led by Circle Project Elders, the pipe ceremony began shortly after 5 followed by the feast. The Round Dance began with drummers sharing their songs with the more than 500 individuals present throughout the evening. It was a beautiful sight seeing those in attendance, both young and old, as they partook in this traditional cultural activity. A giveaway included many items that were donated by Circle Project Staff and Council members in acknowledgement of the support given to our organization by the community. It filled us with joy watching the community as they danced and shared their appreciation. Staff distributed lunch bags just before midnight and after the drummers beat their drums for the last time that evening, everyone said their farewells and went home.
We would like to take a moment to thank Circle Project Elders, Council and Staff for all they do in the community. Thank you to the volunteers who help make events such as this happen. Thank you to the community for coming out to celebrate with us. We are excited to continue our work serving the needs of our community.
Jeff Cappo, MC and Russell Paskemin, Stickman
Community members tapping their toes as they watch the Round Dance
Bob Cantin, Council President, Bernie Cantin, Volunteer, Joni Adamcewicz, Volunteer and Deanna Keewatin, Lifestyles and Addictions Counsellor
It is a real joy seeing young and old participating together
Rhonda Bird, Council Vice President and Ann Perry, Executive Director
Larissa Anderson, Director of Childcare Services taking a video while crowd enjoys the Round Dance
Community members watching the Round Dance
Circle Project staff keeping things tidy
It is wonderful that so many came out to help us celebrate
Community members tapping their toes as they watch the Round Dance
Allan Pratt, Family Violence Coordinator with Circle Project staff in their t-shirts displaying the new logo
More little ones participating
Circle Project Staff in front of banner displaying new logo
What a great time we had at our 19th Annual Elders’ Christmas Party on December 6, 2018. We laughed, ate, danced and made merry. This event continues to be a great opportunity for our Elders to catch up with those they may not have seen all year. Thank you to all who attended, you have made our event a great success and we look forward to seeing you again next year!
A special thank you to The Mosaic Company for sponsoring our event! With your support, we were able to spread holiday cheer and put bright smiles on the faces of our community Elders.
Ann Perry, Executive Director, Alma Poitras, Elder, Harrold Lavallee, Elder, Margaret Rockthunder, Elder and Bob Cantin, Council President
Poinsettias for Circle Project Elder recognition
Christmas Quiz Winning Team
Christmas Quiz Last Place Winners
Elders Enjoying Entertainment
Louise Kahnapace and Dorothy Redwood
Elvie Stonechild, MC and Gene Pelletier
Gladys Prettyshield, Joyce Prettyshield and Audrey Bellegarde
Larissa Anderson. Director of Childcare Services and Tyrah Kaiswatum, Assistant Director Infant & Toddler Centre with Nancy Bitternose
Nancy Bitternose and Ola May Eshappie
Elders Enjoying Entertainment
Deanna Keewatin, Lifestyles and Addictions Counsellor with Mrs. Claus
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.
Lone Creek Culture Club
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.
Our 3rd Annual Hearts in the Park event was held on May 30th, 2018 against the backdrop of a bright blue sky accented with 2 tipis at Victoria Park in Downtown Regina. With smiles shining as brightly as the sun, volunteers in purple t-shirts interacted with the public to fill out bright red hearts, identified their relationship with someone they know who has been affected by violence.
The event provided a great opportunity for a diverse and ongoing community partnership between Circle Project, Regina Police Service (RPS), U of S Nursing College-Regina Campus and SOFIA House. The community partners came together to plan and host this important event which serves to raise levels of awareness about violence in our community. The Hearts in the Park event also works to reduce the stigma attached to domestic, family and interpersonal violence. This year, each partner talked about the impact of violence in our community on today’s youth, either through family violence or interpersonal violence. In addition, we had two male youths, from a local high school, speak about violence in our community and how this effects today’s youth.
Thank you to our Community Partners, Regina Police Service (RPS), U of S College of Nursing-Regina Campus and SOFIA House and the Department of Justice Canada’s Victims and Survivors of Crime Week for providing us the opportunity to share this important message in our community.
On March 23, 2018 Circle Project held a pipe ceremony, feast and round dance in celebration of their 30th Anniversary. Staff and volunteers began their day by preparing and cooking. The pipe ceremony began shortly after 5 pm, immediately followed by the feast. Circle Project staff assisted the Elders and servers. Friends from the Regina Police Service were in attendance and pitched in to lend a hand. We kicked of our Round Dance (almost 30 singers shared their songs with us) as the over 400 people in attendance danced and socialized throughout the evening. It was an amazing experience to have the community celebrate with us, but it was made even more special by the bright happy faces of the children and youth in attendance. Later in the evening the giveaway was held and through this ceremony Circle Project was able to recognize and give thanks to the community that has supported the agency over the last 30 years. Just before midnight, staff handed out lunches and four special 30th Anniversary cakes were served to the crowd. Once the food was handed out the round dance continued, concluding just after midnight.
Thank you to Circle Project Elders, Council and Staff for all the work that they do in the community. Thank you to the volunteers who helped to make our celebration a success. Thank you to the community for coming out and celebrating with us. We look forward to another 30 years working to serve the needs of our community.
Bob Cantin, Circle Project Council President and Ann Perry, Executive Director presenting Jeff Cappo with a blanket in appreciation!
Community members enjoying themselves
Joni Adamcewicz, Deanna Keewatin and Shelly Desnomie enjoying the evening.
Bob Cantin, Council President with Bernie Cantin.
Larissa Anderson, Ann Perry and Amanda Froh – Such hard work but smiles all around.
This young drummer won over many as he played his heart out!
Regina Police Service brought their dancing shoes
Circle Project Childcare Staff Serving Anniversary Cake – Who wants cake? YUMMY!
Community members enjoying themselves
Allan Pratt taking this opportunity to connect with the community.
It’s Christmas time, that time of the year for us to celebrate the Season together. Circle Project held its 18th Annual Elder’s Christmas Party on Thursday, December 7, 2017. The party had a mix of fun, frolic, games and dance, and our guests were able to reconnect with those they had not seen throughout the year. The evening kicked off with Elder Noel Starblanket offering a prayer to the Creator and with Jeff Cappo leading the Lone Creek Drum Group in an Honour Song.
The buffet supper was a sumptuous meal of turkey with all the fixings and was greatly appreciated by all. After supper, the elders enjoyed coffee, tea and a wide array of desert items. The musical entertainment kicked off with Brian Sklar and the Tex Pistols providing some good old fashioned toe tapping tunes for the gathering to enjoy. Many of the elders took a spin around the dance floor for a shot at winning one of many spot dance prizes. This was followed by an all-time favourite, the jigging competition. Many took to the floor in an effort to show off their fancy footwork and although there could only be one winner, everyone had a great time sharing laughter and good natured ribbing.
One of the highlights of the evening was our 12 Days of Christmas giveaway, were a draw was held to determine the winners. Those who were lucky enough to hear their names called were given a Christmas gift to take home. In addition to this, each elder received a box of special treats to take home and enjoy.
The night wrapped up with the Circle Project Staff and Council singing an enthusiastic, if not always in tune, version of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and a round dance with all in attendance who were able participating.
Once again, our friends at K+S Potash Canada assisted us in providing a special evening to celebrate our elders. With their continued sponsorship we were able to provide an extra special evening. Circle Project would like to take this opportunity to thank K+S Potash Canada for their generous contribution towards honouring our elders this holiday season!
Council President Bob Cantin, Vice President Keon Flamont and Executive Director Ann Perry honour Circle Project Elder Noel Starblanket and Kookum Florence Isaac with assistance from Darcy Torangeau, representing event Sponsors K+S Potash Canada.
Council President Bob Cantin and Vice-President Keon Flamont honouring Margaret Rockthunder, Jane Carriere and Harold Lavallee for their work with Circle Project Programs.
Council President Bob Cantin and Vice-President Keon Flamont with this years recipient of Oldest Female – Doris Rockthunder. Congratulations!
Council President Bob Cantin, Vice President Keon Flamont and Executive Director Ann Perry with this years recipient of Oldest Male – Roy Wahpoosayn. Congratulations!
Council President Bob Cantin and Executive Director Ann Perry with a table of party guests.
Party Goers dancing the night away!
Jeff Cappo belting out a tune with the band.
Council members Fred Clipsham (Treasurer), Emily Grafton (Secretary), and Jenny Strongeagle (Member) with staff getting ready to hand out goody boxes.
Council Secretary Emily Grafton presenting a goody box to a party guest.
Council member Jenny Strongeagle poses with party guest.
Council Vice-President Keon Flamont (CP), Darcy Torangeau (K+S) and Elder Noel Starblanket.
