(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

spirit of Truth and Reconciliation

Mayor Veer issues statement for National Indigenous Peoples Day

Jun 21, 2021 | 4:11 PM

Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer issued the following statement on Monday, which is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada.

“On behalf of Red Deer City Council and the citizens we serve, I encourage all Red Deerians to extend recognition and honour to Indigenous Peoples today, and every day, in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation.

The City of Red Deer acknowledges the Indigenous traditional territories represented by Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 as the land The City is situated on. This land is also acknowledged by The City as an historic Métis gathering site. The goal of The City of Red Deer is to work together with Indigenous and Métis peoples in building welcoming and inclusive community life.

Today, June 21, is recognized as National Indigenous Peoples Day in celebration of and respect for the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples from our past, present and future. It marks an opportunity to honour the heritage, contributions and cultures of the Indigenous People across Canada who have lived on this land for over one hundred centuries.

Central Alberta is a significant historical landscape of the ancestral territories of the Cree, Blackfoot and Métis people. It was a place to meet in peace and trade, hold ceremonies and co-exist. It was an area that marked the crossing of the province from North to South, as well as a place for traders to venture into the mountains in the West, with East of Red Deer marking the largest Métis Settlement West of Red River.

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The first Europeans to arrive here found a populated continent with thriving cultures and extraordinary traits of skill, bravery, consensus and compassion. Indigenous Peoples who met those who came here to settle taught newcomers the medicines, food sources, mode of dress, and other methods of transport that allowed them to survive.

Challenges exist for Indigenous communities as Indigenous Peoples to reclaim their legal and rightful place in Canada. There is, however, a renewed sense of empowerment for Indigenous Peoples. Today, and every day, we must honour the heritage, contributions and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. We stand with you in remembering the past, and look forward to affirming our relationship and partnership in actioning our local commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.”