Women in Regina from different cultures came together at the Mackenzie Art Gallery to celebrate International Women’s Day.

They united to celebrate the resilience of  women through dance and movement. The Event planned was an interactive dance party featuring bhangar dancers, Métis Jigging, a round dance, Daughters of Africa dancers, and belly dancers.

The Métis jigging group from Seven stones community school in North Central was asked to perform.

Allison Kimberly, the instructor of the jigging group said they are usually contacted for different events and today was a special occasion for her and her girls.

“There is a lot of strength in the women who are a vital part in keeping the community healthy and strong, and developing opportunities that give them confidence is just something I really believe in,” said Kimberly.

“Today represents the strong community of the Métis, with the strength of the women and children in particular”.

Indigenous program co-ordinator from the Saskatchewan writers guild, Nickita Longman, was part of the planning committee that made the day a success. Other organizations were also a part of planning such as the Regina Immigrant Women Centre and Dance Horizons.

 “This is the first year that they had unity through dancing, but that they had done some storytelling and musical events in previous years, so this theme of resilience through dance and movement seemed the next best step,” said Longman.

 “It’s nice to have that one common event to celebrate our womanhood together,” said Longman.

Seven Stones Métis Jigging group. From left Deborah Allery, Clara
Mante, Cassie Bailey, Elizabeth Gabriel, Cindy Mormer, and Allison
Kimberly.

After the interactive dance event, they took the celebration to the public on Albert street, where everyone could join to danced and show unity.

Just like they had tied red ribbons on the bridge during the Christmas holidays in remembrance of missing and murdered aboriginal women, they tied new ribbons today as well.

“That’s our way of including them into the whole event,” said Longman.

Red was also worn to symbolize freedom and empowerment for all women.