In October 2023, a group of people gathered at Original Humboldt for an afternoon of land-based learning with Elder Gilbert Kewistep and his son Myron Neapetung/ Photo courtesy of Humboldt & District Museum and Gallery
By Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SASKTODAY.ca
The Relationship Building and Reconciliation through Living Heritage Pilot Project in Humboldt has held over 17 events with over 800 participants to educate others about having a better understanding of reconciliation.
On Sept. 19, the committee is planning a conversation to discuss the project and how to promote reconciliation in Humboldt. Researcher David Siebert from Heritage Saskatchewan will discuss the findings of this project, and Rhett Sangster from the Office of the Treaty Commissioner will talk about the history and meaning of Treaty 6. This is also an opportunity for people to ask any questions they have about Treaties, protocol and relationship building.
The Relationship Building and Reconciliation through Living Heritage Pilot Project was launched in Humboldt in 2023 in partnership with Heritage Saskatchewan, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, and Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan.
The gallery will host a conversation about reconciliation in the community. Participants will talk about the past, present and future of reconciliation in Humboldt.
The Humboldt Gallery are also planning a walk for reconciliation that will be held on Sunday, Sept. 29. Participants can meet at the Civic Park gazebo at 1:45 p.m. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is held annually on Sept. 30 in order to raise awareness about the legacy of residential schools in Canada. Tea and bannock will be served following the walk at 2:30 p.m., followed by remarks from Louise Bernice Halfe, a Saskatchewan poet, whose Cree name is Sky Dancer
From Sept. 3 to 26, the Humboldt Museum and Gallery will have an exhibit by local artists inspired by the landscape at the Original Humboldt site.
In October 2023, a group of people gathered at Original Humboldt for an afternoon of land-based learning with Elder Gilbert Kewistep and his son Myron Neapetung.
Among the learners were a group of artists, Cristine Andrew Stuckel, Diana Roelens, Michelle LaFayette, Elaina Adams, Becky Zimmer, Bonnie Conly and Zyg Kondzielewski who have since created new works inspired by the knowledge shared by Gilbert and Myron, the experience of being together on the land, and the sights and sounds of the landscape.
The artworks show the varied perspectives and creativity of the artists, with work in photography, glass, multimedia installations, textile, ceramic sculpture and painting. Each artwork explores its creator’s relationship to the land, their own personal histories and how learning more about reconciliation is changing their understanding of the future.