Photo: Scott Park story walk about learning the history of the babushka. / Courtesy of Porcupine Plain Public Library
By: Nicole Goldsworthy,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter,
SASKTODAY.ca
Porcupine Plain is building on two years of community events with a larger gathering planned for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.
The Town of Porcupine Plain and the Porcupine Plain Métis Local are partnering on the event at the Porcupine Plain Community Hall, with support from Sask Lotteries and SaskCulture.
Koral Kriger, the Town of Porcupine Plain’s community development officer, told SaskToday this year’s event builds on activities held in the community in 2024 and 2025.
Last year, the town partnered with Métis Nation-Saskatchewan Eastern Region II and the Porcupine Plain Métis Local for a bannock and beading event hosted by Elder Lily Earnshaw. Kriger said approximately 20 people attended, sharing bannock while learning beading techniques.
Kriger said they wanted to build on previous years and create a larger gathering that brought together some of the activities offered during the previous two years.
Porcupine Plain Métis Local president Tammy Willerton told SaskToday the day is about learning from the past while working toward a better future.
“Truth and Reconciliation means learning from the past and understanding, respecting and healing so we are able to build a better future,” Willerton said.
She said she hopes the Sept. 30 gathering will also provide an opportunity for people to come together and learn about Métis traditions.
The Sept. 30 program will include a bannock and jam workshop, a free community lunch, a community walk for truth and reconciliation, and a beaded earrings workshop.
Everyone is welcome to participate for all or part of the day. Registration is requested for the bannock and jam and beaded earrings workshops to ensure organizers have enough supplies.
Other activities in the community are also providing opportunities to learn about local culture and history. The Porcupine Plain Public Library is encouraging residents to walk through the fall leaves at Scott Park while learning about the history of the babushka and to take part in activities being offered in the community over the weekend and for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Kriger said the day provides an opportunity for the community to learn and reflect on the history and continuing impacts of residential schools, while recognizing the strength and resilience of First Nations and Métis neighbours and building greater understanding and relationships within the community.
The local gathering is taking place five years after the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation became a federal statutory holiday.
The Government of Canada says the day was established in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which called for a statutory holiday to honour residential school survivors, their families and communities, and ensure the history and legacy of residential schools continue to be publicly commemorated. Bill C-5 received royal assent on June 3, 2021, establishing Sept. 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Sept. 30 is also observed as Orange Shirt Day. The federal government says both observances honour residential school survivors, their families and communities, and recognize the lasting impacts of Canada’s residential school system.
People wishing to participate in either workshop are asked to register by calling or texting Tammy Willerton at 306-873-1235.
Truth and reconciliation event in Porcupine Plain in 2025.
Every Child Matters banner made in Porcupine Plain on National Truth and Reconciliation Day