The set up started on the weekend and thanks to the warmer weather, it looks like the kick off to Atamiskakewak will be smooth sailing.  The week long national gathering will feature a number of events each day through Saturday here in Moose Jaw.

The festivities will bring people together from across the country in an effort to bridge the gap between indigenousness and non indigenous people through truth and reconciliation. The official opening ceremony was held Monday morning at the Heritage Inn  and The Western Development Museum will have the Takoza Tipi Camp Tours from 9 am to 9 pm. You can find a full list of events here including a Competition Pow Wow at Mosaic Place on Friday evening.

Moose Jaw City Police will have a role throughout the week and Chief Rick Bourassa is encouraging residents to attend. "It's brought here for everybody in the community to participate in and there are no fees attached to any of the events that are going on."

"Communities that are inclusive are communities in which people have a mutual understanding and respect for each other."

According to organizers, Atamiskakewak 2018 will "bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples together throughout Saskatchewan and abroad to educate how we all can take intentional action to the Truth and Reconciliation’s 94 Calls to Action in this country. We will have education from speakers from across the country on all of the following areas: Child Welfare, Education, Language and Culture, Health, Justice, Professional Development and Training for Public Servants, Church Education for Reconciliation, Youth Programs/Sports and Reconciliation, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), Business and Reconciliation, as well as interactive events such as; Takoza Tipi Camp and Cultural teachings, Treaty 4 National Tipi Display, Indigenous Artisan Fair with over 100 artisans featured throughout the week, Atamiskakewak Competition Pow Wow, Lacrosse tournament, opening and closing ceremony with sponsorships gala event, Robb Nash, Indigenous entertainment and art display, Elders teachings, MMIWG display, cultural teachings and so much more."