Wanuskewin hosting major commemoration for National Truth and Reconciliation Day

One of Saskatchewan’s most significant cultural and historical centres is playing an active role commemorating and educating the public on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

On September 30, Wanuskewin Heritage Park is planning a full day of gathering, cultural programming, learning, and reflection, followed by the presentation of two major artworks in the evening.

“We collectively at (Wanuskewin) really see National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as an important day to honour residential school survivors,” said Jenaya Chutskoff, CEO of Wanuskewin Heritage Park.

“We have spent a lot of time over the last number of years meeting with the Saskatoon Survivors Circle and having conversations about what this day means to them. A lot of those conversations have informed the programming we are putting on.”

The day’s programming starts at 10:00AM with an opening ceremony, including a prayer from an Elder and an honour song. From 11:00AM to 4:00PM, visitors can participate in a range of cultural, educational, and artistic activities.

Programming will include both presentations and lessons on music and dance. Fiddler Jordan Daniels will play at 11:00AM.

At 2:00PM, Randy Morin from the Saskatchewan Writers Guild will speak on the healing aspects of the Cree language and culture, and how they can help people navigate fear and anxiety.

There will also be a community art project with Leah Morin from 11:00AM to 3:00PM, birch bark basket making with knowledge keeper Lyndon Linklater from 11:00AM to 2:00PM, and an archeology program with the Saskatchewan Archeological Society from 11:00AM to 4:00PM.

“Wanuskewin is an excellent catalyst to Reconciliation. It is this community-built place, a gathering space for over 6,000 years where people of all walks of life, all backgrounds, all levels of knowledge of what Reconciliation means in Saskatchewan can gather, connect, learn, and experience,” said Chutskoff.

“I hope every single person walks away (from the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation commemoration) with at least one new perspective or new understanding.”

Starting at 4:00PM, one of two significant artworks will make their Wanuskewin debut. First is the 2026 documentary, I am Gitxsan, by award-winning filmmaker Hossein Martin Faze. The film follows Phoenix Apperloo, a recent high school graduate reconnecting with his Indigenous heritage and exploring the impacts of colonialism and residential schools.

The filmmaker will follow the screening with an in-person Q & A.

“I spoke with Elder Eugene Arcand about the documentary – I wanted to get a survivor’s perspective on this documentary before a proceeded ahead. He was quite taken aback with it, in a very good way. He said it’s very hard subject matter, but this story needs to be told,” said Marcel Robitaille, curator at Wanuskewin.