'A barrier-breaking moment': Yorkton becomes first Sask. municipality with permanent tipi structure
A day not many will not forget in Yorkton — the Tribal Council’s new tipi is now displayed proudly in City Centre Park.
The official unveiling was held Thursday, one day before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It replaces the old sundial, which is now located at the Yorkton Brick Flour Mill site.
The project cost roughly $190,000 total, with Yorkton Tribal Council (YTC) covering all but $10,000 of the price tag. The City of Yorkton paid up to $10,000 for a new concrete slab.
It was emotional for many in the crowd, including Mayor Mitch Hippsley.
“The tipi, for me, is a symbol of family, love and community,” he said during the unveiling, holding back tears.
Following the unveiling, Hippsley admitted it was tough to put the words together, but a moment filled with pride.
“So proud, and so happy,” he said. “To actually be witness this event and be a part of it, it was a real privilege.”
The presentation included a moment of unity, where YTC’s Cory Cadotte had multiple members of the community come up and read off each tipi teaching, which included hope, unity and humility. Cadotte then explained the meanings to the crowd.
All throughout this, Tribal Chief Isabel O’Soup admitted it was emotional watching everything unfold.
“I’m just so proud to be able to do this. For my ancestors, for everyone,” she said.
“At one time, we were not allowed to practice our language, culture and traditions. This is just a barrier-breaking moment for me — I love it.”
The tipi structure is the first of its kind in Saskatchewan, which O’Soup said she hopes is the first of many firsts, as the tribal council and its partners across Yorkton and area push ahead on the path of reconciliation.
She adds that she hopes this tipi structure stays in City Centre Park forever, a estimate of the community’s continuing path to working together on that reconciliation road.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.