A Treaty 4 Recognition Ceremony and flag raising were held at Weyburn City Hall on Monday.
This was the first event of Culture Days, which has a focus on Truth and Reconciliation this year.
The ceremony was well-attended, and Weyburn Community Committee for Truth and Reconciliation Board Chair, Doug Loden was pleased with how it went.
"I think what all of us want is a better future," Loden said. "The events of today don't change everything, but in my mind, it's a step in the right direction."
Chief Connie Big Eagle of Ocean Man First Nation said it was a nice gathering.
"I think it was awesome for the City of Weyburn to reach out to us to organize this event," she said. "And bring awareness about our cultures, practices, ways, history, and knowledge to share with the people of Weyburn."
She added there has been a sad history in Canada when it comes to the residential school system.
"It affected our people in many ways, and if we could share that history and teach people about what our residential school survivors went through, people would understand us better."
Chief Big Eagle raised the treaty 4 flag with Weyburn Mayor Marcel Roy. Committee Members Regan Lanning and Laura Morrissette raised the Canada and Saskatchewan flags. Lindsay Littlechief of Ocean Man First Nation performed two songs before the flags were raised.
The City of Weyburn will keep the treaty 4 flag raised for one week, with plans for a permanent installation in the future.
A drum circle from Ocean Man First Nation performed at the ceremony.
Afterward, the drum circle moved to Knox Hall to provide music for traditional dancers from Ocean Man. At the end of the performances, everyone in attendance was invited to join in a round dance.
Lunch was served at Knox Hall, and provided by the local chapter of the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan.
