‘You can't have Canada without the Indigenous folks': Tatanga Day celebrations held in Regina
As part of Canada Day festivities, people in Regina are also celebrating Tatanga Day in recognition of the nation's Indigenous peoples.
'Tatanga,' which translates to 'buffalo' in Lakota, Dakota and Nakota, marks a day of celebrations and commemorations of Canada's Indigenous population – acknowledging the vital role the 'First Peoples' have played in Canada's history.
'It's the reclamation of space. Just exercising our cultural practices in regards to powwow, music, coming together, understanding of our past which was enriched with bison and buffalo are Tatanga,' Indigenous artist Kevin Wesaquate told CTV News.
Events were held at Buffalo Meadows Park, live music, a community barbecue and activities such as mural painting took place.
'Kids are grabbing the stencils I've been making for the past week. They are helping me create a tribute piece of a rainbow of charging buffalo across the sky,' Wesaquate explained.
'The rainbow for me is in significant of my late mother. Her name was Rainbow Lady, so this piece really helps me because my mom taught me how to work with youth and children. She worked at a daycare in Saskatoon and is where I still live today.'
Wesaquate went on to say that being able to pay tribute to elders and other community members is significant to celebrating the national day.
'A lot of people have different reasons to celebrate this day in Canada, and some folks like myself would rather see a little bit more of an Indigenous celebration along with that, because you can't have Canada without the Indigenous folks,' he expressed.
'With that being said, we're exercising our artistic view, artistically, our cultural views of, creating safe space for Indigenous folks.'
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