YORKTON – National Child Day was marked in Yorkton Friday by bringing Grade 5 students from seven schools across the city to learn more about their rights as children.
National Child Day is celebrated in Canada to acknowledge the importance of children’s rights and our country’s commitment to upholding them. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) sets out the rights of children with 54 articles that provide us with a solid road map of what is needed to support children and youth to be safe, healthy, and included.
These rights can be sorted under three pillars:
- Protection – Right to be safe
- Provision – Right to be healthy
- Participation – Right to be yourself and to be heard\
Irma Van De Bon-Nicol, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yorkton and Area said such programming has been happening annually in the city for some 30 years. She added it is gratifying when meeting someone years after taking part in the program and they say how it influenced them in a positive way.
The 2025 program held Friday at SIGN on Broadway, and hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters and SIGN – aided by 17 students from Sacred Heart High School — consisted of a series of information and activity ‘stations’ each focused on a particular aspect of the Rights of the Child.
The ‘stations’ were operated by various groups in the community, added Van De Bon-Nicol.
Those rights and the groups involved were:
* The right to a name and nationality. You have the right to an identity. Article 7 and 8 during welcome and intro by Big Brothers Big Sisters
* The right to be born free and equal in dignity and rights. The right to your language, culture and religion. Indigenous and minority groups are entitled to special protections to enjoy these rights. Article 1, 2, and 8 Yorkton Indigenous Friendship Centre
* The right to a quality education and full opportunity to play and recreation.
Article 28, 31 Early Learning Family Resource Room
* The right to be among the first to receive protection and relief care in times of disaster. Article 4 Yorkton Fire Department
* The right to protection against all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty, and exploitation. You have the right to help if you have been hurt, neglected or treated badly. Articles 19, 34, 35, 36, 37 39 Shelwin House Outreach Worker
* The right to special education, care and support for any child who has a disability so they can lead full and independent life. Article 23 Sask Abilities Council
* The right to choose your friends and join or set up groups as long as it isn’t harmful to others. Article 15 Yorkton Indigenous Friendship Centre
* The right to give your opinion and have adults take you seriously. The right to learn about things and share what you think with others. Remember that all children need love and respect to grow to their full potential. Article 12 & 13 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yorkton and Area.
* The right to practice these rights regardless of culture, where you live or economic status, gender identity, religion, varying ability, and nationality and social origin. Article 2 & 30 Kids First Alcohol & Drug Counselling
* The right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities, culture and the arts. Article 31 Parkland Valley Sport, Culture & Recreation District and City of Yorkton Recreation and Community Services
