National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrated in Sask.

Communities honour heritage, contributions of First Nations, Métis

Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day Regina

Caption: Dancers demonstrate powwow dancing at National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations in Regina on June 21, 2023. (Laura Sciarpelletti/CBC News)

Parks in downtown Regina and Saskatoon came alive on Wednesday for celebrations marking National Indigenous Peoples Day.
The events were among many held across the country to honour the culture and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in Canada.
Speakers in both communities also spoke of the ongoing work needed to advance reconciliation in the country.
In Regina, before the speeches kicked off, the Mother Teresa Middle School Buffalo Boys performed in a drum circle, inviting the crowd to sing along.
WATCH | National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrated in Saskatchewan:

Media Video | CBC News Saskatchewan : National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrated in Saskatchewan

Caption: Communities honoured the heritage and contributions of First Nations and Métis people in Saskatchewan Wednesday.

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Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day Regina

Caption: The Buffalo Boys from Mother Teresa Middle School perform in a drumming circle as part of National Indigenous Peoples Day in Victoria Park in Regina on June 21, 2023. (Laura Sciarpelletti/CBC News)

Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day Saskatoon

Caption: Students from St. Augustine Catholic School participate in National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations in Saskatoon on June 21, 2023. (Jason Warick/CBC News)

A Grand Entry was held in both cities, including First Nations and Métis representatives, as well as other dignitaries.
Speakers referred to the injustices Indigenous peoples have faced in Canada, including the residential school system and the ongoing investigations into children in unmarked graves across the country.
LISTEN | Family heals through dance and drumming

Media | Family heals through dance and drumming

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The photos below show some of the celebrations in both cities.
The events included demonstrations of powwow dancing and Métis jigging, as well as other Indigenous musicians and artists.

Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day Regina

Caption: The Grand Entry during National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations on June 21, 2023, in Regina. (Laura Sciarpelletti/CBC News)

Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day Saskatoon

Caption: A Grand Entry was part of the National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations in Victoria Park in Saskatoon on June 21, 2023. (Travis Reddaway/CBC News)

Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day Saskatoon

Caption: Sianna Strongarm, left, is a jingle dancer. Kyla Strongarm, right, is a traditional dancer, and Kaezen Strongarm, front, is a fancy dancer. They participated in National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations in Saskatoon on June 21, 2023. (Jason Warick/CBC News)

Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day Regina

Caption: A beading table was set up at National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations in Victoria Park in Regina on June 21, 2023. (Laura Sciarpelletti/CBC News)

Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day Regina

Caption: People learn the Red River Jig as part of the National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations at Pat Fiacco Plaza in Regina on June 21, 2023. (Alexander Quon/CBC News)

Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day in Regina

Caption: Students attending National Indigenous Peoples Day in Victoria Park in Regina could get their faces painted. (Laura Sciarpelletti/CBC News)

Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day Saskatoon

Caption: Elders Joyce and Vince Manitopyes at the celebrations in Victoria Park in Saskatoon during National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2023. (Jason Warick/CBC News)

Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day Saskatoon

Caption: Students participate in celebrations in Victoria Park in Saskatoon for National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2023. (Travis Reddaway/CBC News)

Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day Saskatoon

Caption: Musicians were part of the celebrations for National Indigenous Peoples Day in Victoria Park in Saskatoon on June 21, 2023. (Travis Reddaway/CBC News)

Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day Saskatoon

Caption: People gather in Victoria Park in Saskatoon on June 21, 2023, for National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations. (Travis Reddaway/CBC News)

Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day Saskatoon

Caption: Teepees were set up in Victoria Park on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, for National Indigenous Peoples Day. (Travis Reddaway/CBC News)

Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day Regina

Caption: Robin Cote of Cote First Nation carries a flag during the Grand Entry at National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations in Regina on June 21, 2023. (Laura Sciarpelletti/CBC News)

Image | National Indigenous Peoples Day Regina

Caption: Members of the NDP caucus, including NDP Leader Carla Beck, left, participate in National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations in downtown Regina on June 21, 2023. (Laura Sciarpelletti/CBC News)