Celebrations underway in Regina ahead of Indigenous Peoples Day

WATCH: National Indigenous Peoples Day is this weekend but there are already celebrations taking place around Regina. Mick Favel has more.

While Indigenous Peoples Day is not until Saturday, there are already celebrations taking place in the Queen City.

On Wednesday, hundreds of visitors took part in the annual Regina Urban Treaty Day celebration at the Gathering Place.

The property was converted to fairground layout, filled with vendors, food and live music.

Natasha Kennedy is the executive director of Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services Inc (RT/SIS). She said the event is a way to learn about the treaty signings and their importance.

“We like to have our elders sit alongside so that we can create that open space for dialogue,” she said.

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“We have multiple demonstrations that take place, being able to share our culture. As well as creating that space we like to share through open dialogue,” she added.

Wednesday’s celebration was just one of the many Indigenous focused events happening in Regina this week, as National Indigenous Peoples Day approaches.

The Regina International Airport was the location for the third annual Indigenous Artisan Market.

Indigenous artists, singers and dancers filled the arrival terminal for a portion of the day.

Teresa Innis is the executive director of the Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre. She said now is the time to celebrate Indigenous culture.

“June being Indigenous Peoples History Month, it is very important to bring awareness to issues that are not talked about the rest of the year,” she said.

The market was a collaboration between the Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre, Regina International Airport, Canadian Border Services Agency, and the Government of Saskatchewan.

A number of events are planned for the evening, including fireworks near the Gathering Place property.

The numbered treaties in Canada were signed between 1871-1921. Regina resides in Treaty 4 territory, which was signed Sept. 15, 1874.

An annuity payment was negotiated in a number of treaties. Those who are treaty status are able to pick up their annual payment at the Urban Treaty Days event, instead of going to their home First Nation to receive it.

Kennedy hopes attendees walk away knowing the treaties are as relevant today as when they were first signed.

“Today’s event allows for us to continue that important conversation of the roles and responsibilities of our treaties,” she said.

“It’s a good way to recognize and identify our responsibility to treaties,” she concluded.