On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan Dr. Kathy Walker, traveled to White Bear First Nation to mark the summer solstice through ceremony, connection, and honouring women.

Hosted by Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway and the Buffalo People Arts Institute, the day included a gathering and sharing circle and a Matriarch and Two-Spirit pipe ceremony.

“The summer solstice has been referred to as the Indigenous New Year,” said Commissioner Walker. “It marks a season of renewal. Being at White Bear surrounded by so many strong women exercising their ceremonial roles, was reinvigorating.”

The pipe ceremony brought together pipe carriers from across Saskatchewan, including Two Spirit carriers and Matriarchs from Red Pheasant, Peepeekisis, and White Bear. About 10 pipes were lifted in ceremony.

“Women have always held important roles in our nations. Ceremonies like this remind us of what was disrupted through colonization and what we are working to restore.”

The significance of place and history was part of the day. This year marks the 150th commemoration of Chief White Bear’s signing of Treaty 4 in 1875. As women gathered in ceremony, an additional community ceremony honouring Chief WhiteBear’s pipe was held. Chief Jonathan Pasap shared words with those gathered, joined by his three-year-old daughter.