The event concluded with a friendship dance with those in attendance.
by Lucie Roy
On National Indigenous Peoples Day a celebration was held in Morinville along with the Treaty 6 Flag raising in the St.Jean Baptiste Park.
In attendance were Alexander First Nation Chief Kurt Burnstick, Band Council members, Elder Roy Arcand, members of Morinville Council, RCMP, CPO, Fire Department, 300 students from Morinville Public School and residents and guests.
Alexander Elder Roy Arcand is the great, great, grandson of Katstaweskam, the first Chief of Alexander. Arcand spoke at the ceremony and was part of the flag raising ceremony.
In his speech, Mayor Barry Turner said, “For me, this is a day to celebrate our First Nations. Today we raise the Treaty 6 Flag and recognize our First Nations history, culture and contribution to our nation.”
He went on to say, “Today I am proud to raise the Treaty 6 Flag as a symbol of Morinville’s recognition of Alexander First Nations Kipohtakaw and the spirit of Treaty 6.”
The greetings were followed by the flag raising, songs and Dignitary Round Dance.
This was followed by students from MPS who sang Today I’m Gonna Try and Change the World by Johnny Reed.
Alexander Drummers and Dancers performed with a finale of a Friendship Round Dance with all in attendance invited to participate.
In June 2017 the Government of Canada announced that from here forward the intention is to rename National Aboriginal Day to National Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Alexander First Nation Senior Princess
Raising the Treaty 6 flag was Elder Roy Arcand and Mayor Barry Turner.
There have been many years of abuse and the treating of the Indigenous peoples in this country with total disrespect.
It will take many years to correct this injustice.
I’m glad and hopeful that we are on the path to reconciliation.
We must follow are words with actions, because we all know that words are meaningless without action.