REGINA — “No Pride in Genocide.”
A phrase seen printed across shirts, carefully printed onto signs, and included in social media posts this July 1, as people across the country chose to attend rallies, vigils and smudges held by Indigenous leaders instead of Canada Day events — including an evening rally in the Queen City.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Legislative Building in Regina, to remember the children lost and those who suffered trauma within the walls of Saskatchewan’s residential school system.
Several speakers stepped to the microphone during the rally, including residential school survivors, first- and second-generation family and local activists.
Some shared personal stories, talking about the traumas of residential schools and the Sixties Scoop, while others shared powerful words calling for action from Canadians moving forward.
As dusk neared, the crowd turned towards Albert Bridge for a powerful candlelight vigil. Hundreds crossed Wascana Park to join elders for a smudge ceremony, followed by words calling for strength and a moment of silence.
As drummers continued to play and the heart of the crowd joined in several group round dances, others lit their candles and were silent in remembrance of the children who did not return home.
