By: Danielle Dufour
Freelance Journalist
Priscilla Desnomie, the programs and services coordinator at the Qu’Appelle Valley Friendship Centre, is one of five employees at the centre.
They are busy preparing and helping the community to learn about Indigenous regalia.
“Making our ribbon skirts, moccasins, lanyards, hair ties, chest plates, and earrings,” said Desnomie. “Everything to represent our culture.
In 2025, the centre offered a ribbon skirt class to the community, followed by a walk in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) parade.
They also recognized Truth and Reconciliation Day by having a walk including community members and elementary to high school students from both Lipton School and the Qu’Appelle Valley School.
“We walked from the old hospital to the friendship centre, and then we had a big meal afterwards,” said Desnomie.
The centre is trying to focus on youth-led programs to help youth become comfortable in leadership roles.
“We had an art class for youth and also drum group led by youth,” said Desnomie. “It’s building their confidence.”
With all these programs happening, one of the greatest needs the centre has right now is volunteers, especially as they work on plans for future programs and services.