The Souris Valley Museum hosted Heritage Day celebrations on June 21 to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day, blending traditional foods, children’s activities and cultural partnerships into a day of community reflection and fun.
The day’s events included wagon rides, face painting, crafts, and traditional hamburger soup and bannock served by Shirley Wheeler. Wheeler noted that while each family prepares bannock a little differently, it’s a meal often saved for special occasions. Her group served a biscuit-style version for ease, though some families also make a baked flat version called “gullet.”
Wheeler also reflected on her Métis identity, which she began to explore about 10 years ago.
“I didn’t really start learning until later in life,” she said, adding that she now treasures the stories, dancing and teachings shared by her elders. “I regret not asking my grandparents more when they were still here.”
The museum partnered with the Estevan Art Gallery & Museum and received grant support from the City of Estevan for the event.
Executive director Melanie Memory said reconciliation is an increasing focus for museums across Canada and is often built into grant applications. She said the museum hopes to continue developing reconciliation-themed programming in the future.
In addition to Heritage Day, the museum is currently running a 50/50 raffle fundraiser, with a grand prize of up to $2,500. Tickets are available until July 1, and the draw will take place on July 3. Funds raised will support artifact restoration and family programming.
Memory also shared that the museum was recently awarded a Sticker of Excellence from the Museum Association of Saskatchewan for its reconciliation efforts. The award recognized a 2023 collaboration with the City of Estevan and the Métis Nation Local Estevan #25 to install a replica Red River cart. Supporting materials, including speeches and media coverage, were submitted as part of the application.
The museum will also take part in the Kickoff to Summer event hosted by the Family Centre on June 26, where they will be selling cotton candy and raffle tickets. Summer programming is ongoing, and some sessions still have spots available.