Melfort Celebrates Truth and Reconciliation with Round Dance

Melfort, Saskatchewan, marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a round dance held on September 30, 2023, at the Unit Comprehensive Collegiate (MUCC). This event brought together hundreds of residents and students to honour the significance of the day, which aims to acknowledge the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools in Canada.

The round dance featured music from the drum group Lightning Horse, creating an uplifting atmosphere as participants celebrated and reflected on reconciliation. Following the round dance, attendees walked through downtown Melfort, further emphasizing the community’s commitment to remembrance and unity.

Syndel Thomas Kosar, a local artist with connections to the James Smith Cree Nation, served as the guest speaker for the event. Raised in Melfort, Syndel is an active member of several organizations including the Melfort Arts Council and Reconciliation Melfort. In their speech, they expressed a deep commitment to fostering growth and understanding among all community members.

Syndel highlighted the importance of recognizing the truth behind reconciliation. “Reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility. We all share this land, we all benefit from living and breathing this air, drinking the water,” they stated. Their personal connection to the topic was evident as they shared their family’s experiences, noting that they are the first generation not affected by the residential school system, which impacted close relatives, including grandparents and their mother.

The conversation shifted towards the ongoing impact of intergenerational trauma. “It’s not ancient history; it’s something that we still live with day-to-day. Kids live with it,” Syndel explained. They also recounted personal experiences of feeling uncomfortable in public spaces, such as being followed in stores due to their Indigenous identity. Despite these challenges, Syndel conveyed a sense of hope for the future, stating, “We are moving forward. Let’s keep building on that momentum.”

Syndel emphasized that reconciliation should not be confined to a single month or a specific day, like wearing orange shirts. They encouraged community members to engage with local initiatives, mentioning opportunities such as joining Reconciliation Melfort, contacting the Marguerite Riel Centre, or visiting the Melfort Museum’s Indigenous Archaeology building. “It is genuine action that we all have the responsibility to make,” they concluded.

The round dance served not only as a celebration but also as a poignant reminder of the work still needed to foster true reconciliation in Canada. With events like this, Melfort continues to take steps toward healing and understanding, ensuring that the legacies of the past inform a more inclusive future.