The Sask. NDP are calling for the West Lawn at the Legislative grounds to be designated as “The Chief Piapot Cultural Learning Grounds.”
In the past few years, that area has been used for demonstrations calling for greater Indigenous child welfare policies and advocating for northern suicide awareness.
“The space where the West Lawn is today has been used for Indigenous ceremonies for more than a century – from Chief Piapot all the way through to Tristen Durocher,” said Nippi-Albright. “Designating this space in honour of Chief Piapot would be an important way for the government to recognize an outstanding leader and historical figure in our province, allow space for Indigenous people to do their ceremonies and learn in the heart of our capital city, and move our province forward in advancing truth and reconciliation.”
Albright also urged the province to make The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a provincial statutory holiday. In order to do this, the Legislative Assembly needs to amend the Employment Act.