Strathcona County commemorates National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, and Strathcona County is proud to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of Indigenous people. This day will also help bring awareness to the many unprecedented circumstances that Indigenous peoples have endured. From June 19 - 21, the County will host a variety of activities in acknowledgement of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

At the June 15 council meeting, Mayor Rod Frank will proclaim June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day in Strathcona County. During this meeting, Council will also consider a new policy for Indigenous land acknowledgement. Representatives from the Treaty Six Territory and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region Four will be in attendance as the Treaty Six and Métis Nation of Alberta flags are raised in Council Chambers, following the passing of a new flag policy at a previous Council meeting.

“In the spirit of reconciliation, Strathcona County has a responsibility to implement recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and will work to learn from Indigenous partners and build healthy relationships in our communities,” says Mayor Rod Frank. “Sharing Indigenous history and contributions helps keep their culture, heritage and practices alive, and creates a community where everyone feels welcome to live, work and play.”

Recreation, Parks and Culture will support this important day by hosting activities virtually at Gallery@501, Festival Place and on the county website. Activities include Floral Fish Scale Art with MJ Belcourt, an Edmonton-based Métis artist, educator and curator, Métis Jigging with Cultural Educator Felice Gladue and live fiddle playing by Zachary Willier, and a virtual film screening and discussion group for Treaty Talk: Sharing the River of Life, with Dr. Pat Makokis, Dr. Diana Steinhauer and Knowledge Keeper, Lloyd Cardinal. Artworks from the Strathcona County Public Art Collection, created by Indigenous artists, have also been highlighted on our website for residents to explore.

National Indigenous History Month is a good time to plan your visit to amiskwaciy (Cree for Beaver Hills) and deepen your learning about the history of Strathcona County and those who lived here for thousands of years. Beaver Hills Biosphere, located within Treaty 6 territory, is a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous Nations, including the Plains Cree, Metis, Blackfoot, Plains Ojibway and Sioux peoples.

For more information on National Indigenous Peoples Day, visit strathcona.ca/indigenousconnections.

Strathcona County resides on Treaty Six Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region Four and Two.

Strathcona County honours the First Peoples of this land. We recognize that we stand upon a land that carries the footsteps of Cree, Métis, and Blackfoot, and amongst many other Nations, who have been here for thousands of years.

Strathcona County has an inherent responsibility to foster healthier relationships with First Peoples and further the Calls to Action as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

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Contact:  Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595