ESTEVAN — The City of Estevan is marking the June 21 National Indigenous People's Day with a crosswalk at the intersection of Fourth Street and 14th Avenue.
In a video posted to the city's Facebook page, community development officer Rebecca Foord said the crosswalk serves as an "important symbol of recognition and respect" to all Indigenous people and their history. She added it is a symbol of Estevan's history.
Foord pointed out it's well documented in local history books and community stories that a large number of Métis men came back after fighting in the First and Second World Wars and worked for the city as employees contractors.
"These men, fresh from serving our country, then served the community by being pivotal in the construction of sewer and water lines within the city of Estevan," said Foord.
The infrastructure created the internal framework for the city.
"The work was hard, and at times tragic, and we are so honoured to be able to pay our respects to them, their families and their families that still reside in Estevan today."
The crosswalk, which has orange symbols painted on white paint, serves as a symbol that Estevan is committed to "walk forward in truth and reconciliation", she said, and the city honours all those who walked before.
