We Are All Treaty People

Fourth annual Rock Your Roots

  • Published - 21/06/2019
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  • Posted By - OTC
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For the fourth year in a row, thousands of Saskatoon area residents gathered to Rock their Roots in a Walk for Reconciliation.

“For me the walk reassured my heart and mind, that as a community we are working together to make a better future for our children,” said Charmaine Gardiner, Office of the Treaty Commissioner staff.

“Today there was just the human race walking as one.”

The event is held on National Indigenous Peoples Day, encouraging people to join in activities in Victoria Park. The walk recognizes Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Sixties Scoop Survivors, and Residential School Survivors (whose lost birthday were remembered with cupcakes at the event).

Throughout the walk performers from many cultures shared their traditions through music and dance.

“It was a great energy. There was lots of diversity in the crowd and people chatting and smiling and laughing. It was a great community event,” said Rhett Sangster, director of reconciliation and community partnerships at the OTC.

“It started off in a good way, with four pipe carriers leading us off in ceremony.”

OTC’s executive director Trish Greyeyes spent the day supporting elders, ensuring those unable to walk the route could participate by riding in a golf cart.

“It was wonderful. Driving the veteran around, listening to his stories, and watching his face as he witnessed all of those people walk past. He would just shake his head in amazement. It was incredible,” she said.

Rock Your Roots is organized by Reconciliation Saskatoon, a community of more than 100 organizations, non-profits, businesses, faith-communities and partners who have come together to initiate a citywide conversation about reconciliation and provide opportunities for everyone to engage in Calls to Action.