Cote First Nation celebrates new Saulteaux language sign at local arena

WATCH: A new sign was unveiled on the Cote First Nation, with many gathering at the new arena to celebrate a meaningful day. Fruzsina De Cloedt explains.

A new sign with a significant message straight from Treaty 4, in the language of its home nation was unveiled at the Cote First Nation Arena on Wednesday.

“As long as the sun shines and the grass grows and the river flows,” read Chief George Cote of Cote First Nation.

He explained that it’s not a direct quote but rather is part of what treaties represent.

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Many gathered to celebrate the words now on display. The wind carried the sound of a drum, and the new sign reflected the sunlight. The audience sat on white chairs in the arena’s parking lot, listening to Cory Cadotte, the Yorkton Tribal Council’s Indigenous cultural liaison speak to kick off the sign’s unveiling.

Among the speakers were also the mayors of nearby Kamsack and Yorkton, Beth Dix and Aaron Kienle.

The pair emphasized the celebration of culture, identity, and language. To emphasize their good relationships, Chief Cote gave them a beaded lanyard, one of the First Nations’ most used and valued crafts.

Saulteaux language educator Lynn Cote also took the stage and explained the meaning of some of the words on the sign. The words on display, - Wisdom, Respect, Truth, Honesty, Humility, Love, and Courage - refer to The Seven Grandfathers Teachings.

“[These words] come from my ancestors and from some of these elders here that I work with and it’s good to see them [displayed] again,” she said.

The sign carries a significant message, reaching beyond words. For years, many Indigenous peoples weren’t allowed to use their language due to Canada’s residential school system.

Having these words displayed now fill many with pride.

“They’re bringing this Saulteaux nation’s language back to our younger kids, to show them how to talk and all that, because I wasn’t taught that really,” Cote band member Marilyn Whitehawk explained.

She spoke with CTV News while a young relative stood by her side, grinning. Whitehawk tried to convince the boy to say something in Saulteaux, but he refused. He only wanted to say the English word, fox.

It was a moment that reinforced how important it is to have their own language be part of their everyday routines. Cadotte said he hopes the new sign sparks curiosity.

“Our visitors, our guests, and our community are going to be able to see our language, and they’re going to ask questions, and they’re going to build their curiosity, and they’re going to ask, ‘what does that mean?’”

Mayor Aaron Kienle and Chief George Cote wore full hockey gear and joked with each other before a friendly hockey game between local youth and RCMP officers.

Danny Whitehawk, sports and youth coordinator with the Yorkton Tribal Council said the game was a great way for their young people to enjoy spending time with RCMP and people from nearby communities.

“You know that’s good. It’s a time that we just share in each other’s happiness,” he said.

Cote First Nation ended up winning the game 10-9.