Dozens of dignitaries and well-wishers were on hand at the recently renamed Wild Animal Park for the official unveiling of the park’s new name and new sign as Tatawaw Park took its final step into existence.
“We did it!” exclaimed Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association chair Lori Deets shortly after the unveiling. The project had been a labour of love for her and many others in the community, and to see things finally come together once and for all was a powerful moment.
“Moose Jaw, through unfortunate circumstances has become my home, I was part of the 60’s Scoop and I was raised in Moose Jaw,” Deets explained. “I love Moose Jaw, it’s my home and I promote it every time I can… before I was involved with WACA I worked with tourism, I worked with hotels, and if you want something exciting to do in Moose Jaw I could probably tell you what to do.
“So to come here and actually join my original roots and culture and what I’m learning to a home that I love? It means so much to me, I can’t even explain it. I’m still shaking, I was shaking when I was speaking up there and when we revealed the sign, I almost can’t believe it.”
That sentiment was shared by Kayleigh Olson, the Grade 12 Central student who played a large role in getting the project off the ground and helping it move forward.
“It’s awesome to see everyone come together, especially to see non-Indigenous people here too,” Olson said. “It’s all about building those relationships, everybody is so interested in seeing our beautiful culture so it’s awesome to see so many people out here.”
The event featured remarks from several dignitaries and included a dedication drum circle song as well as a prayer from Sweetgrass First Nation elder Archie Weenie.
Choosing the park’s name – Tatawaw, meaning ‘welcome, there is room for everyone’ – was part of a long process that brought many people of all stripes together for the common cause.
“It was a partnership with a lot of people,” Deets said. “I didn’t know (South Hill Community Association chair and city councillor) Crystal (Froese) very well before this and now today, it’s seven in the morning and we’re texting each other ‘are you up, can I call you’. And so many other people I’m doing that with, it’s been great. That’s what’s important to me, it’s building friendships and relationships. That’s what means the most to all of us.”
While the park renaming was a major first step, things are far from done in that regard, with more goals on the horizon.
“Now the big thing I’d like to do is have it receive heritage status, so no one can come down here with buildings because there are burial sites down here, there are people still on this land,” said Olson. “So that’s a big thing that’s next.”
Until then, it’s all about continuing to build and grow as a community, with Tatawaw Park just one focal point in that direction.
“It’s what it says, everyone is welcome,” Deets said. “This is all of our land and we need to find a respectful way to share that with all of us and how to do that, how to go forward. Reconciliation is very intentional steps, this is the first step and there are many more after that.”
