Annual Christmas dinner brings sense of community
- EFN Staff | December 08, 2018
Hundreds of community members in Saskatoon, from all walks of life, came out Thursday for White Buffalo Youth Lodge’s annual Christmas Dinner.
The holiday-themed meal has been taking place yearly since White Buffalo Youth Lodge opened in 2000, providing a meal and camaraderie during a time of year when many feel extra pressure.
“The price of food, the price of housing, the price of everything is going up. So, people like single mothers, single fathers, grandparents watching their grandchildren – everyone is in need,” said Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) Chief Mark Arcand. “For us, we want to provide that opportunity. And show everyone that as a First Nation organization, we have non-First Nations partners that are making a statement in the city to say ‘we are here as a community investment to make a difference in people’s lives’,” said Arcand.
The event is the result of over a month of planning, said event coordinator Kim Burnouf, who they make preparations for over 1,000 people to attend. Crowds started forming late afternoon, and before doors opened at 5:00, there was already a lineup around the block.
The Christmas Dinner also provides Christmas gifts and a photo with Santa for 500 children up to 10 years in age. Gifts, said Burnout, included dolls, LEGO, and gift cards.
Everyone, said event organizers, were made to feel at home at the dinner.
“We feel like the majority of people who attend this event are First Nations, but it’s status blind; it’s open to everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are, we don’t judge people. We don't say ‘you have a job, you can’t come.’ Everyone is in need this time of year,” said Arcand. “It’s not about us receiving money for the tribal council. It’s about giving to the people who need it.”
Along with STC, the Christmas Dinner was supported by Nutrien, SIGA, and the Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation. The event also brought out several members of Saskatoon city council, police department, fire department, University of Saskatchewan, and other corporate sponsors to give back to the community.
“When we see all these great people coming together, they’re coming to actually see what their donation is doing. They see first hand that someone is in need, and that’s the satisfaction they get - that they’re making a difference in someone’s life,” said Arcand.
One of the many community members who look forward to the Christmas Dinner is Nikki Brown, a young mother who has been bringing her family out to the dinner for three years.
“The kids really enjoy coming here, and having supper. And they really love being able to see Santa,” Brown told Eagle Feather News, while her two six-year-olds and nine-year-old received gifts from Santa.
“We make sure we come every year,” she said. “It’s a special event.”