Live from the Road report compiled by Sutapa Adelman from notes by Jauvana Westwood:

Regina, 3/5/06:

Our first event in Regina took place at Athabaska School.

When we arrived, the student body was gathered in the auditorium for an assembly. This school had included the WHR handbook in their curriculum and there were posters exhibited around the auditorium that the students had made incorporating slogans from the handbook.

The school had chosen men's ties as a symbol of harmony, much the same as the ribbon campaigns we see for cancer, aids, etc.! The children wore their ties to the assembly and we were each presented with a colorful tie.

We were then introduced to the student body and Michelle, our spokesperson, talked to the children about the symbolism of the WHR torch.

The students the performed a dance symbolizing harmony. This was followed by the introduction of the students who would be representing the school in the torch relay.

Before the assembly closed, the Lone Creek Drummers were introduced and the meaning of their performance was explained. After the drumming, the runners went outside and the relay moved off towards the war memorial to meet and pass the torch on to the students of Marion McVeedie School .

At the war memorial:

The runners arrived from Athabasca Elementary ASchool. There they were met by the runners from Marion McVeedie School, the Mayor of Regina and Ted Jaletta.

The ceremony was very informal. The Mayor spoke to the children, there was another performance from the Lone Creek Drummers and the torch was passed on to Ted Jaletta an elite athlete,who lead the run off towards Marion McVeedie Elementary School.

When the relay was within 5 blocks from the school, the runners were met by cheering students from Marion McVeedie Elementary School and the entire student body accompanied the runners back to the school.

There was an assembly for the all of the children. A native elder addressed the school, the WHR team was introduced and our spokesperson Michelle explained many aspects of the WHR. Ted Jaletta also adressed the students and the Lone Creek Drummers performed.

Again, here at Marion McVeedie Aschool, artwork from the WHR Handbook was displayed on the walls of the auditorium.

Saskatchewan Legislature

MLA Mr. Kim Trew came out onto the Legislature steps at 5:00 pm. just after the Session had ended for the day. He was there to welcome the run on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan. MLA Mr. Borgerson joined him and was also invited to hold the Torch.

Mr. Trew had participated last year and the WHR Team is very grateful for his continuing enthusiasm and support.

It was cold and windy with falling snow, as Mr. Trew read out the following proclamation from the government.

Certificate of Recognition

I, Glenn Hagel, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Recreation in the Province of Saskatchewan

In exercise of the powers conferred upon me

Do hereby designate the days of

May 3-6, 2006 to be;

"World Harmony Days" in Saskatchewan

And I request the citizens of the Province of Saskatchewan

To Recognize these days.

Dated at the City of Regina this 19th day of April, 2006

Earlier in the day, Mr. Kim Trew had made an official Announcement in the House commending the run. He said "Mr. Speaker, we should be mindful and even proud that Canada is envied by much of the world for our unity within diversity. Please join me...in congratulating all participants for promoting unity and oneness within the human family."

At 5:45, a group of runners from from the YMCA Learn to Run Club gathered to hold the torch just outside the YMCA building. Y Administrator Doris had arranged the ceremony, and fitness coordinator Debbie had figured out the route for the relay that was to follow the Torch passing. Debbie led us on our way as we relayed the Torch to our next event which was to begin near the Legislative Bldgs. The WHR Team is very grateful to Doris and Debbie for their kind-hearted self giving to organize this relay.

On the grounds near the Legislative Buildings, we participated in the opening ceremony for the Walk Around the Lake. Three of the runners who had joined us for the relay continued on for the Walk.

Although it was very cold with snow flurries, this did not deter a few hardy souls from showing their support for the young people in their community during International Youth Week by participating in this Walk. Gwen Desjarlais introduced the event coordinators and then introduced the WHR as guests at the event. We explained the goals of the WHR and then the Lone Creek Drummers performed once again.

After their performance, the torch was passed to a Tribal Elder who blessed the torch and prayed for the WHR. The WHR Team then led the gathering across the street to the beginning of the walk around the lake. As people filed by they each touched the torch and offered their wish for world harmony. This was our final event in the City of Regina during our first day in Saskatchewan.

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