Join the 2024 Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation on June 21: Let’s walk and heal together

Reconciliation Saskatoon invites everyone in the community to join the 2024 Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation on June 21 — National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Event Details:
Friday, June 21
10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Victoria Park

• 10:00 a.m. Gather in Victoria Park
• 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Reconciliation Walk along the river
• 11:30 -11:45 a.m. Walk ends in Victoria Park at Reconciliation Circle (near the Lions skate park)

After the walk, the Saskatoon Indian Métis Friendship Centre will host a free lunch, a program and activities in the park.

This walk brings the community together to honour the truth of the Residential schools and those who survived them, as well as demonstrate our collective commitment to reconciliation.

“I had a dream of walking for Residential School Survivors that didn’t have a voice,” says Jamie Fiddler, Residential School Survivor. “This Rock Your Roots walk is a covenant of truth or ‘tāpwēwin’ and reconciliation or ‘miyo-wâhkôhtowin.’ As we are one family, we walk and heal together, going into the future.”

Participants of the walk are invited to “Rock Your Roots” by wearing orange or contemporary/cultural regalia, or carrying signs that celebrate their heritage. Knowledge Keepers will start the day with a ceremony. Residential School Survivors will be honoured by leading the walk. Along the route, an international cast of singers, dancers, and musicians will celebrate the diverse cultures of Saskatoon.

This year, organizers have several initiatives to reduce waste at the event through their Mother Earth team.  They encourage participants to bring their own water bottle, waste free snacks, and throw compostables and recyclable items in the right bins.

Reconciliation Saskatoon recognizes the incredible support of Community Investors that make this walk possible. For the full list of supporters and all event details, visit: www.ReconciliationSaskatoon.com/rock-your-roots   

Rock Your Roots is organized by Reconciliation Saskatoon, which is co-chaired by the City of Saskatoon. The intent of this event is to answer the TRC Calls to Action by demonstrating a commitment to Reconciliation, honouring Residential School Survivors, and continuing work towards an inclusive community. The walk has been an annual one in Saskatoon since 2016.