City of Saskatoon invites people to attend feast and round dance Thursday evening

Everyone is invited to attend the City of Saskatoon’s first ever community round dance and feast on Thursday evening 

“We’re making it very clear that this is for everyone: Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people, newcomers. This is a really great opportunity for people to learn about First Nations culture,” said Melissa Cote, the city’s director of Indigenous Initiatives, during an interview with Saskatoon Morning radio host Candice Lipski on Thursday morning.

“I think that there’ll be a lot of excitement and celebration and people networking and getting together.”

A round dance is a traditional event in Indigenous culture that celebrates the unity of the community and its people, according to the city.

The theme for this event is miyo pimatisiwin, or “the good life for all.”

Cote said the ceremonial feast is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. CST and will be followed by the round dance until midnight at the Cosmo Civic Centre. There is no cost to attend.

The city says the event will be guided by the following: 

• Masters of Ceremonies: Carl Kennedy and Vern Chocan.
• Stickman: Allan Bonaise (the role is to the keep the event in motion and select the lead singers).
• Whipman:  Marc LongJohn (the role ensures that dancers enter into the dance circle in their categories and that the space is respected).