On September 18, the Treaty 8 and Metis Flag were raised in Grande Prairie City Council Chambers as a reminder of the Indigenous Nations who have been here since time immemorial and a reminder to cultivate positive conversations and collaboration with the Indigenous community.
Council welcomed Chief Ramona Horseman from Horse Lake First Nation, Councilor Tracey Mclean from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, President Shannon Dunfield from Metis Local 1990 and Elders Leonard and Amanda Cardinal at the flag raising.
The day began with a sacred pipe ceremony, followed by the flag raising, which was ushered in Grande Entry style to the sounds of Indigenous drumming.
During the ceremony, Mayor Jackie Clayton shared the following words:
“We will keep these flags raised in Council Chambers as a reminder that the decisions we make in Council Chambers should always be done with the thought of Indigenous Nations and Indigenous people in our work. It is our hope, that current and future city councils look at these flags and remember a commitment to walk alongside Indigenous Nations to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.”
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