Cultural Grounds Coming to Little Red River Park ‘a step toward healing and unity’

Jason Kerr/Daily Herald Guests and signatories pose for a photo at the Little Red River Park cultural grounds on Friday, May 16.

Arjun Pillai

Daily Herald

The Prince Albert Indian Metis Friendship Centre has signed a formal agreement with the City of Prince Albert on May 16, to establish new cultural grounds in Little Red River Park, a historic step toward reconciliation, cultural revitalization, and community healing.

The agreement was celebrated in the presence of several prominent city officials, including Mayor Bill Powalinsky, Police Chief Patrick Nogier, City Solicitor Mitch Holash, and other important civic leaders.

“A Place to Come Together in a Good Way”

Shane Bird, Director of Youth Services at the Friendship Centre, described the vision behind the project as one rooted in unity.

“The idea is to create unity in the spirit of reconciliation, for our indigenous and non-Indigenous partners and community members to come together in a good way,” he said.

The planned site will include facilities such as a ceremonial hall, camping spaces, a winter lodge, and areas dedicated to cultural teachings and ceremonies. Bird emphasized the importance of the land itself, traditionally known as Kistapinanihk, a place of gathering and connection for Metis, Dakota, and Cree peoples.

 “It’s where our ancestors gathered. It’s a place to honour them and pass down their stories.”

Supporting Future Generations

The cultural grounds are intended to support healing from intergenerational trauma while fostering kinship, healthy living, and pride in cultural identity.

“We want to help our Indigenous families and youth reconnect with teachings that were practiced for thousands of years,” Bird explained. “This is about building a strong, healthy community together.”

Elders and knowledge keepers from diverse Indigenous backgrounds, including Denesuline, Dakota, and Woodland Cree nations, are actively involved in shaping the grounds. Their teachings will be passed down orally, preserving traditions that span generations.

A Vision Aligned with the City’s Goals 

Mayor Bill Powalinsky praised the initiative as a reflection of Prince Albert’s commitment to inclusion and heritage.

“We’re cultural mosaic,” he said. “This is an awesome opportunity to work together and create a piece of history that reflects and respects the past that led us to this point.”

He added that the project aligns closely with the city’s vision for a healthy, welcoming community that celebrates diversity and innovation.

“This is really going to be a community healing event as well.”

The mayor also noted that the city welcomes future opportunities to collaborate with Indigenous partners on similar cultural initiatives.

Strength in Partnership

The Friendship Centre and the City of Prince Albert have long collaborated through various departments, including cultural coordination, planning, and parks. This latest agreement strengthens that relationships and opens doors for future educational partnerships.

The Friendship Centre and the City of Prince Albert have long collaborated through various departments, including cultural coordination, planning, and parks. This latest agreement strengthens that relationship and open doors for future educational partnerships.

Bird noted that partnerships with schools and community stakeholders are already forming.

“We’re hoping to create a safe place for classrooms, youth programs, and cultural education.”

Work Begins Soon

Construction on the site is expected to begin in the coming months, with smaller steps starting before winter.

“We’ll start with baby steps and grow from there,” Bird said.

A dedicated cultural and ceremonial coordinator will be appointed to oversee the space.

Community members interested in supporting or participating are encouraged to reach out to the Friendship Centre, the City of Prince Albert, or the new coordinator once appointed.

As the ground at Little Red begins to take shape, so does a vision of healing, heritage, and hope. A place where stories are shared, traditions are honoured, and future generations can gather in spirit of unity.

editorial@paherald.sk.ca

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