'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
Flights divert around western Iran as one report claims explosions heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes early Friday morning over western Iran without explanation as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic claimed there had been 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan.
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.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
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.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
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.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.