By Sheldon Spackman

Mayor Veer recognizes National Indigenous Peoples Day in Red Deer

Jun 21, 2018 | 2:36 PM

Dozens of Red Deerians gathered at City Hall Park over the noon hour Thursday to acknowledge and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day across Canada.

The event featured singing and dancing from Aboriginal musicians, remarks from local dignitaries and a proclamation from Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer who commemorated The City’s participation in the nationally recognized day.

“I think that this particular proclamation is significant,” says Veer. “I think today was one year after the fact we marked our new relationship. We know that relationship is very important to Indigenous persons and relationship is very important to city council, so we have committed to governing in relationship with our community and that is ultimately what this proclamation marks.”

Veer says it’s historic in the fact the events this year were commemorated in a more significant way.

“That’s as a result of the relationship we’ve been able to build over the past few years,” states Veer. “The proclamation is of course just one of many events that will be marking National Indigenous People Day throughout the community but certainly to mark it in the presence of our Indigenous community, with our Indigenous community and the many, many Red Deerians who participated, I think certainly kicks off the events in a commemorative way.”

Last seen April 29

Missing: Paige Toews, 28, of Red Deer

15m ago

preparedness doesn't have to be stressful

Emergency Preparedness Week runs May 3-9

May 03, 2026

rcmp investigating

Crews respond to fire at Amethyst House on Friday

May 01, 2026

Lynn Jonasson, Treaty 5 Community Elder in Red Deer says it’s important to honour relationships with the Treaties, Metis people and the efforts behind reconciliation.

“The City is really coming a long ways to working with Aboriginal people and the proclamation is one of those ways to further ongoing relationships that we acknowledge each year,” says Jonasson.

“It makes me feel good because it brings our people together,” points out Jonasson. “It’s having a pride in our heritage, languages and we share it with our community here.”

Jonasson encourage Red Deerians to get out and meet the Aboriginal community and enjoy a major event taking place in our city Thursday night that aims to bring people together and celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Metis heritage.

Hosted by the Red Deer Native Friendship Society, the National Aboriginal Day Conference is happening Thursday and Friday at the Sheraton. On Thursday night, a Pow Wow event is taking place, also at the Sheraton.

by Sheldon Spackman

Mayor Veer recognizes National Indigenous Peoples Day in Red Deer

What's Trending