The flag raising ceremony in La Ronge's Kikinahk Friendship Centre on Sunday attracted hundreds of attendees. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
cultural pride

Nearly 450 attend Filipino flag raising, feast and festival in La Ronge

Jun 10, 2024 | 1:31 PM

The strength and resilience of the local Filipino culture was on fully display in La Ronge on Sunday.

The day began with a flag raising ceremony in Patterson Park at 9 a.m., before festivities moved to Kikinahk Friendship Centre for a second flag raising and feast that drew nearly 450 attendees. The event included singing, dancing and a demonstration of traditional attire and games.

X/Derek Cornet

In his speech to the crowd, which included leadership from all three local communities, organizer Sonny Montilla explained Filipino Heritage Month not only honours the invaluable contributions of Filipino-Canadians to the cultural mosaic of the nation, but also serves as a testament to the Filipino spirit that enriches communities with its warmth, resilience and vibrant traditions.

“As we raise the flag of the Philippines today, let us reflect on the journey that brought us here from the shores of our homeland to heart of Canada’s diverse tapestry,” Montilla said.

“Let us pay tribute to the generations of Filipino pioneers who braved the unknown, leaving behind the familiar to build a better future for themselves and their families in this land of opportunity.”

Nobody who attended the event left hungry as there was plenty of traditional Filipino foods to go around. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
Attendees enjoyed a demonstration of traditional Filipino games. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

The flag raising ceremony occurred simultaneously with other communities across Saskatchewan, including Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Regina, Warman, and Yorkton. The flags in La Ronge will remain in place until June 12, which marks the Philippine Independence Day.

Following the event, Montilla noted he was surprised by just how many residents attended to show their support.

“We’ve been planning this for four days straight and it was worth it,” he said.

“I spoke to our community and we are planning on doing this again by next year. We are very fortunate.”

La Ronge Mayor Joe Hordsyki also commented on the large turnout, stating it goes to show the gratitude residents have for the impact Filipino-Canadians have had in the community in the last few years.

“They really work well together, and they support each other,” he added.

“With something like this, I can just imagine how they came together and it’s not as much work when you get so many people involved and contributing to it.”

According to the provincial government, Saskatchewan has a strong Filipino community with 36,000 residents originally from the Philippines. Tagalog is the most popular non-official mother tongue spoken in Saskatchewan.

Filipino immigrants who have moved to Saskatchewan have the most positive rate of settlement and retention among all new immigrants.

As of the 2021 Canadian census, there were approximately 950,000 Filipinos in the country, representing one of the fast growing segments of the population.

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

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