'Run-concili-action' one of many Sask. events honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Alethea Dawn Greyeyes says she can't wait to see hundreds of people walking, running or wheeling along the riverbank through Saskatoon Monday in their orange shirts.

It's all part of an event she has organized to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Greyeyes said the orange shirts are important, but her event also gets people moving together. That's why she calls her event an act of "run-concili-action."

She said she couldn't believe the community response. It's the first year of the event, but it sold out.

"It was beyond amazing," she said. "It really speaks to the fact that that message is slowly reverberating and our community members, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, are really taking a vested interest in the health and healing that happens when we all work together."

Greyeyes said the public is still encouraged to come and cheer on the participants.

Just north of Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park will host a wide range of events on Monday, including performances, lectures and nature walks.

"It is acknowledging and celebrating our culture," said Jessie Muhlbach, the senior interpretive guide at Wanuskewin.

"There was a long point in history where we were not allowed to do that.

Muhlbach said the day is also meant "to honour those children and those families that have been affected by residential school and acknowledge that every child matters."

Other events are taking place across the province Monday in communities of all sizes.

The Saskatoon Tribal Council is hosting its annual Every Child Matters powwow at SaskTel Centre.

Regina's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Network will help host the Orange Shirt Day Walk and barbecue at mâmawêyatitân centre.

In Prince Albert, the P.A. Grand Council is hosting a meal, speakers and other activities at their offices. The Prince Albert Historical Museum has free admission from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to see its exhibition, Kistapinânihk/Omaniciye Makoca/Tł'ogh tëlë/The Gathering Place.

Tisdale is hosting a community walk and prayer. Melfort is hosting a walk and round dance. And in North Battleford, Q98 radio station will play 12 hours of Indigenous storytelling in partnership with the Gord Downie, Chanie Wenjack Fund.