Annual Elders Christmas Dinner brings the Holiday Spirit to the Regina Campus

What started as a small Christmas dinner in honour of the Regina Campus Elders many years ago has now flourished into the annual Elders Christmas Dinner, welcoming everyone from the community to come and enjoy a Christmas meal with the FNUniv Elders office, senior management, faculty, staff, and children of the pamināwasowin Child Care Centre.

On Wednesday, December 18th, the Elders office welcomed the day with a pipe ceremony. Knowledge Keeper Dennis Omeasoo lifted the pipe, and Dennis and Elder Margaret Rockthunder offered uplifting words for the event and prayers for those struggling during the holiday season. Despite the sudden cold snap that reached the city overnight, over 150 people gathered in the First Nations Veterans Memorial Tipi (Atrium) to partake in the meal and festivities scheduled for the day.

The children from the pamināwasowin Child Care Centre opened the dinner by singing Christmas songs they’ve practiced over the past few weeks. Their angelic voices and dance routine instantly got everyone in the Christmas spirit! The local Dog River Band played a mix of rock and Christmas songs while a magician and balloon artist served the young. kôhkom Bea’s Café catered a full Christmas feast served by members of the Regina Police Service who’ve volunteered over the years. A Christmas event wouldn’t be the same without Santa Claus stopping by to hand out gifts and candy bags to the young and old, plus take photos with the children.

Earlier in December, the Elders office requested the Regina employees to donate a small gift and place it in the small tipi in the Atrium. The “Fill the Tipi” initiative is in its second successful year. Santa’s elves handed out all donations received to all in attendance to ensure everyone left with a little holiday cheer! At the end of the day, the annual dinner was a great way to begin the holiday season!