Indigenous Young Elder Alvin Baptiste, right, speaks to youth at a workshop known as Braids Teachings, one of many activities offered at the National Day of the Child celebration in North Battleford Wednesday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Teach the children well

Battlefords area youth enjoy learning activities during Day of the Child

Nov 20, 2019 | 6:09 PM

Children in the Battlefords and surrounding rural and Indigenous communities had an opportunity to celebrate being themselves Wednesday during the National Day of the Child celebrations.

A variety of activities were held at the NationsWEST Field House focusing on the eight rights of the child enshrined in the Battlefords Children’s Charter. Those include the right to basic needs such as access to healthy food, the right to belong, learn and to be you.

Some of the events featured a visit from the RCMP canine unit as well as a number of activity stations. Representatives on hand included the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth, the CNIB, the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, a group called Dad and Me, a children’s mental health representative, and the Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre. There were also workshops offering kids a chance to learn about other cultures as well as their own, and a display about nutritious food.

“We have over 30 partners that are either here doing activities or who have contributed in some way,” Elaine Sonmor, of Battlefords Family Resource Network, the lead organizer of the event, said. “All of the activities are designed to have children experience the rights of the Children’s Charter.”

One station focusing on the Right to be You, was called Braids Teachings – Celebrating Indigenous Boys and their Long Hair.

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“The meaning behind having long hair – it’s more [about] intuition, of learning and knowing things ahead of time,” Indigenous Young Elder Alvin Baptiste explained as he discussed the significance of long hair in Indigenous culture. “This is one of the senses they have, with their braids and long hair. You have the senses of seeing, smelling, tasting and feeling… but hair gives you strength in your own self, your own thoughts, doing the right things in life and choosing the right directions you want to go. ”

He said he wanted to share these teachings with youth so they can be proud of their identity.

North Battleford Mayor Ryan Bater, left, joins Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie, right, and Sandra Favel Rewerts (Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre),as the city and town proclaimed Nov.20 National Child Day in the Battlefords. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Local community leaders North Battleford Mayor Ryan Bater and Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie took part in an official signing ceremony to proclaim the National Day of the Child in the Battlefords.

“Several years ago city council approved the Battlefords Children’s Charter which hangs in city hall,” Bater said. “That really affirms our commitment to the well-being of children in the city. As a municipal government, we try to partner with organizations and other governments in the area to ensure that every child has equality of opportunity in our community.”

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow