The Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM) is hosting a series of events and workshops throughout June in honour of National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.
The celebrations aim to recognize and share the diverse cultures, traditions and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across Saskatchewan.
"National Indigenous History Month is an important opportunity to learn about, share in and appreciate Indigenous culture, traditions and experiences," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. "The Royal Saskatchewan Museum will celebrate with special programming and events in addition to their world-class exhibits and dynamic and culturally appropriate programing for visitors of all ages."
The RSM will host a National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Friday, June 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors are invited to explore the First Nations Gallery through a self-guided scavenger hunt and take part in several hands-on activity stations set up in and around the museum.
Activities will include:
- A beading and adornment station where guests can make friendship bracelets
- A bison hunting activity featuring atlatl throwing
- A bison artifact touch table in the Learning Lab
Several partner organizations will also participate. The Saskatchewan Archaeological Society will offer a flint knapping demonstration and bring its ArchaeoCaravan on site. Tourism Saskatchewan will provide guides to Indigenous landmarks and Indigenous-led tourism activities. In addition, the RSM’s Curator of Indigenous Cultural Heritage will lead drop-in sessions discussing the museum's collections and shared stewardship practices.
Visitors are also encouraged to explore the museum’s Indigenous Cultural Heritage Collection website.
As part of the Friends of the RSM Traditional Knowledge Keepers Program, sponsored by the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation, the museum will offer two Indigenous-led workshops in June.
- Colour Stories from the Land (June 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.): Artist Melanie Monique Rose will guide participants through bundle dye and eco-printing techniques to create a wearable artwork.
- Floral Dot Art Acrylic Painting (June 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Sadi-Rose Vaxvick will lead a workshop on Néhiyaw (Cree) and Métis floral designs, including a tour of the Indigenous Gallery with RSM Indigenous Program Specialist Jadav Cyr.
Both workshops are open to ages 13 and up, welcome all experience levels, and include materials. Registration is limited to 12 participants and can be completed on the RSM website. Fees are $32 for the June 14 workshop and $25 for June 28.