Elder Sam Burnstick and Mayor Lisa Holmes raising the Treaty flag, Elders Ron Arcand, Clarence Arcand, Narcisse Paul and Linda Arcand standing to the front. – Lucie Roy Photos
by Morinville News Staff
The 20th Annual National Aboriginal Day was celebrated in Morinville June 21 with ceremonial drumming and the raising of the Treaty 6 flag above Town Hall on 100 Avenue.
The Town of Morinville announced last week that Council had unanimously supported a request to proclaim June 21
National Aboriginal Day in Morinville.
In recognition of National Aboriginal Day Chief Kurt Burnstick, Councillors Edwin Paul and Audra Arcand, ad elders Ron Arcand, Clarence Arcand, Narcisse Paul, Linda Arcand and Sam Burnstick attended the ceremony along with Buffalo Plains Drum Group members from Alexander First Nation. Ceremonial drumming took place ahead of and after the flag raising, which was performed by Mayor Lisa Holmes and Elder Sam Burnstick.
Chief Burnstick thanked the Creator for the day, thanked his elders for attending the event, and the Town for honouring Alexander with the invite.
“It is an important day for them,” Burnstick said. “It is an important day for all Treaty people because it’s who we are. The significance of this event – it’s so important to Alexander. We’ve never experienced this in Morinville before. My hat’s off to the mayor and Town Council and the Town because it’s paying homage to us as Treaty Indians.”
Burnstick pointed out this year marks the 140th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6. He went on to thank RCMP in attendance who wore Red Serge.
Councillors Nicole Boutestein and Stephen Dafoe assisted the mayor in handing out gifts to the Chief and Elders.
