The Regina Executive Council was presented with a report to designate a piece of city land as an Indigenous ceremonial site located at Kings Park campground by Tor Hill golf course, east of Regina. Piapot First Nation elder Harry Francis spoke to city council about the idea of designating this land for ceremonial purposes, stating that ceremonies are a significant aspect of Indigenous identity. Due to flooding, an existing ceremonial ground near Paul Dojack Youth Centre is no longer available, leaving the community without a space for ceremonies. The Kings Park campground area was identified by an elders’ advisory group as an isolated and suitable location for hosting ceremonies for those in the city.
City Manager Niki Anderson introduced the report, emphasizing that by designating a ceremonial site and hosting sweat ceremonies, the city can demonstrate a tangible commitment to actions related to reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Anderson highlighted the essential elements of reconciliation, including political will, joint leadership, trust building, accountability, transparency, and significant resource investment. She stressed the importance of supporting Indigenous culture, revitalization, and connection to the land in the reconciliation process. The motion to designate the area for Indigenous ceremonies was passed unanimously by six members of the executive council, with four members absent or away during the vote.
The initiative to designate a piece of city land as an Indigenous ceremonial site was driven by the need for a space where Indigenous communities can come together to practice their cultural ceremonies and revitalize their identity. Elder Harry Francis expressed the importance of ceremonies in helping Indigenous people find their identity and connect with their heritage. The search for a new ceremonial ground was prompted by the loss of the previous space near Paul Dojack Youth Centre due to flooding, highlighting the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in accessing suitable spaces for traditional practices.
City Manager Niki Anderson underscored the significance of the ceremonial site designation in demonstrating the city’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. By providing a space for ceremonies and cultural activities, the city aims to show tangible support for Indigenous culture, revitalization, and land connection. Anderson outlined the key components of reconciliation, emphasizing the need for political will, joint leadership, trust building, accountability, transparency, and substantial resource investment. The unanimous approval of the motion by the executive council members signifies a step towards fostering reconciliation through concrete actions and engagement with Indigenous communities.
The decision to designate the area at Kings Park campground as an Indigenous ceremonial site marks a positive step towards promoting Indigenous cultural practices and strengthening the connection between the city and Indigenous communities. The isolated location of the campground provides a suitable space for hosting ceremonies, allowing Indigenous people in the city to come together and celebrate their heritage. The unanimous support for the motion by the executive council members reflects a commitment to reconciliation and tangible actions to support Indigenous culture and traditions. By designating the site for ceremonies, the city is taking a step towards building trust, accountability, and transparency in its relationship with the Indigenous community, signaling a willingness to invest resources in promoting reconciliation efforts.
