WHEREAS we acknowledge that we are on Treaty 6 territory and the traditional homeland of the Métis Nation; and

WHEREAS National Aboriginal Day in Canada is annually held on June 21 to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of our nation’s Indigenous people; and

WHEREAS many Indigenous peoples celebrate the summer solstice, which has an important symbolism within their cultures; and

WHEREAS the ground we currently stand on was the meeting ground, gathering place and travelling route of the Blackfoot, Gros Ventres, Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Sioux and later Métis among others; and

WHEREAS Strathcona County proudly recognizes that a portion of the land we live on is called Amiskwaciy, Cree for “The Beaver Hills;” and

WHEREAS the land on which our County now sits is where First Nations made alliances, conducted trade, and built summer and winter camps where they would hunt and work together; and

WHEREAS we acknowledge as a Country the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries and who continue to contribute to the vibrant and diverse culture of our community.

NOW THEREFORE I,Mayor Roxanne Carr, do hereby proclaim June 21, 2017 as “National Aboriginal Day” in Strathcona County

DATED this 20th day of June 2017.

Roxanne Carr, MAYOR

STRATHCONA COUNTY