STURGIS, Sask. — The Town of Sturgis Recreation Department was proud to be part of Culture Days, the national celebration of arts and culture that takes place each fall. Since Culture Days launched in 2010, thousands in Saskatchewan have taken part and tried out new creative and cultural activities.
Residents and people from surrounding areas were exposed to the power of storytelling, various workshops and creative ethnic dances from many different cultures.
The third annual Culture Days event in Sturgis welcomed everyone, from residents to Sturgis Composite School and Preeceville School students in Grades 1 to 12.
“Culture is something that connects all of us,” said Andrea Tonn, Sturgis recreation director. “It comes from our families, our traditions, our food, our music, our stories, our language, our art, and the things that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Every culture has something valuable to share, and days like today give us a chance to learn a little more about one another.
“Sometimes we can live in the same community for years and still not know the stories, traditions, or experiences of the people around us. That's why opportunities like Culture Days are so important. They give us a chance to ask questions, try something new, listen, participate, and maybe leave knowing something we didn't know when we walked through the doors. Today you'll have the opportunity to experience many different traditions through food, music, dance, storytelling, crafts and hands-on workshops. I hope everyone takes the time to really enjoy those experiences and appreciate the people who have taken the time to share their knowledge and culture with us.
“Events like this also remind us that a strong community doesn't happen because of one person or one organization. It happens when people work together. It takes volunteers, sponsors and community groups, schools, performers, instructors, businesses and many helping hands behind the scenes. Everyone brings something different to the table, and when we put all of those pieces together, we can create something pretty special.
“Most importantly, I hope today reminds us that we don't all have to be the same to belong together. Our differences are part of what makes our communities interesting, welcoming, and strong. When we take the time to listen to one another and learn from each other, we build understanding and respect,” concluded Tonn.
The morning and afternoon sessions focused on workshops that featured making bannock, spring rolls, jams, jellies and pickles; learning how to decorate a Ukrainian Easter egg; learning about Irish culture, Indigenous symbols and art; and learning the art of playing cribbage from seniors with the Sturgis READ Club. The Crystal Stone Quilters were also displaying their craft and had participants write their names on cloth leaves that were sewn onto a community tree quilt.
Lunch featured a meal of perogies and a piece of homemade chicken or Irish stew with soda bread and a slice of Irish chocolate cake made with Guinness beer.
The evening kicked off with a wing supper featuring different spices from around the world. Flavours featured hot, Buffalo, honey garlic (North American), teriyaki (Asia), garlic parmesan, Greek (Europe), Jamaican jerk (Caribbean), butter chicken (East Indian) and cream and dill (Ukrainian).
The entertainment portion featured Jerry Steciuk of Sturgis, followed by a Filipino song and dance, a Jamaican Parkland Association performance and a performance by Stanley Prokulevich, followed by the Barveenok Ukrainian dancers showcasing some more traditional dances. New this year were the Brodie Bagpipers and drummers and the Flatland Fiddlers of Regina.
