About 150 people took part in a unity walk in Saskatoon Friday as part of the first Nelson Mandela International Day.
Mandela, who is recognized around the world for his leadership role in the South African anti-apartheid movement and international human rights work, passed away in December 2013 at the age of 95.
The walk was organized by the City of Saskatoon’s Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Office and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner.
The OTC’s Harry Lafond says what Mandela stood for is very similar to the rights and cultural values Aboriginal people in Canada continue to struggle for.
“Nelson Mandela’s message is about harmony, it’s about justice, it’s about living in peace and it’s about breaking down barriers and so today is about that,” he says.
However, at the same time, Lafond says Mandela’s legacy is an inspiration to all cultures – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
“Our heroes come from many nationalities and from many different cultures and it’s really important for us to recognize that Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Canada is made up of different cultures. And we need to listen very carefully to the messages of heroes from other cultures.”
The walk went from the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre on Wall Street to city hall on 3rd Avenue North.