News Releases

City co-chaired Reconciliation Saskatoon is hosting the Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation on June 21, 2024—National Indigenous Peoples Day. This walk gathers Indigenous, non-Indigenous and newcomer peoples to honour the truth of the Residential schools and those who survived them, as well as demonstrate our collective commitment to reconciliation.

Rock Your Roots began in 2016 as part of the celebrations on June 21 to honour Indigenous Peoples in Canada. In 2022, the event was postponed due to weather and took place on September 30—the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This tradition was continued in 2023, a decision made by Residential School Survivors. After Rock Your Roots last year, Survivors spoke about how they missed seeing school buses full of children arriving to the walk. Since schools are closed on September 30 to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, teachers are not able to facilitate the participation of their students in the Rock Your Roots event.

“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.”

Reconciliation Saskatoon creates lesson plans and activities for classrooms leading up to the event, so that learning and engagement takes place before, during, and after the Walk. With the 2024 Rock Your Roots returning to June 21, Reconciliation Saskatoon and Residential School Survivors can deepen their engagement with students across the city.

Participants of the Walk for Reconciliation 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.

Reconciliation Saskatoon is grateful to the incredible community that has made this walk possible. Organizations like the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) have put the strength of their community behind Rock Your Roots.

“Rock Your Roots is a day we honour our Residential School Survivors by coming out and showing community support,” says Shirley Isbister, President of CUMFI. “Gather your families, friends, business, and office staff. Make signs, wear your cultural regalia, and come out and Rock Your Roots.”

Reconciliation Saskatoon also recognizes the incredible support of Community Investors. Blue Cross Saskatchewan was the first investor to come forward in 2024.

“Last year we had the privilege of being a part of this incredible display of diversity in our community,” says Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. “We’re excited to partner with Reconciliation Saskatoon to participate in the journey of Truth and Reconciliation in Saskatchewan and celebrate diversity in the province.”

Also returning to support the event: SIGA, SGI Canada, BHP, and Nutrien.

Reconciliation Saskatoon invites everyone in the community to get involved: as organizers, volunteers, community investors, and participants. For more information on the Rock your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation, please visit BeAConnectR.com/events.

ATTACHED: Images (4)
Photo credit to Alexander Willems for the following images: Shirley RYR 2023, RYR Sept 30-2023, Survivors Jamie and Rick

Direct bus service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to experience the Saskatoon Blades take on the Calgary Hitmen at SaskTel Centre on Wednesday, March 20, at 7 p.m., is available at the following times:

• 5:45 p.m. 
• 6:25 p.m.

Post-event drop-off is at the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.

Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
 
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

8TH ST E EB CURB & MEDIAN LANES CLOSED FROM VICTORIA AVE TO EASTLAKE AVE
(Manhole repair)
Traffic squeezed into parking lane.
Start: March 20, 9:00 a.m. End: March 20, 11:00 a.m.

ONGOING

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 2023, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 2024, 5:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

20TH ST W EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT AVE B S
(Sanitary sewer lining)
Start: March 29, 7:00 p.m. End: March 30, 6:00 a.m.

WARMAN RD NB LANES CLOSED FROM 5TH AVE N TO 6TH AVE N
(sewer lining)
Start: March 30, 7:00 p.m. End: March 31, 6:00 a.m.

2ND AVE N SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM QUEEN ST TO 26TH ST E
(Construction)
Start: April 1, 7:00 a.m. End: April 2, 5:00 p.m.

FAITHFULL AVE ROAD CLOSED FROM 60TH ST E TO 64TH ST E
(Water line work)
Start: April 1, 8:00 a.m. End: April 4, 4:30 p.m.

NIGHT WORK

2ND AVE N NB MEDIAN & LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED FROM 26TH ST E TO QUEEN ST
(sewer lining)
Start: April 1, 7:00 p.m. End: April 2, 6:00 a.m.

ONGOING

20TH ST W EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT AVE I S
(Sewer lining)
Start: March 28, 7:00 p.m. End: March 29, 6:00 a.m.

20TH ST W EB & WB MEDIAN LANES CLOSED AT AVE D S
(Sewer lining)
Start: March 28, 7:00 p.m. End: March 29, 6:00 a.m.

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 2023, 7:00 a.m. End: November 18, 2024, 5:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

The City of Saskatoon has passed amendments to Bylaw No. 7200, The Traffic Bylaw, aimed at improving pedestrian safety.  

The updated bylaw includes a 15-metre stopping prohibition before marked pedestrian crosswalks, along with a 10-metre stopping prohibition after the crosswalk, unless otherwise specified by traffic signs.  

"While our city continues to grow, it's imperative that we prioritize the safety of all road users, particularly pedestrians," says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation.  

"These amendments will reduce potential conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians at  crosswalks." 

The stopping prohibition means drivers cannot stop or park their vehicle in the parking lane near a crosswalk. This will help to increase pedestrian visibility and enhance safety. 

Signs will not be installed at every location affected by these new regulations. It is essential for residents to be informed of the new bylaw. 

For more information on pedestrian safety in Saskatoon, visit saskatoon.ca/pedestrian-safety.