Sturgeon County moves forward with commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

Administration to continue advancing efforts including collaborating with Alexander First Nation, Michel First Nation, and other Indigenous communities. 

Sturgeon County took another important step forward in working with Indigenous Peoples. On August 23, 2022, Council adopted two motions that would see the County continue to advance efforts toward Truth and Reconciliation and engaging with Indigenous communities on other meaningful actions for consideration. 

The Council Meeting started with a Blessing by Elder Ron Arcand from Alexander First Nation and included the reading of a new Land Acknowledgement statement, setting the tone for the important discussion on Truth and Reconciliation. 

“Last summer, Council made a commitment to review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action Report to identify and understand municipal responsibilities,” said Mayor Alanna Hnatiw. “We entered into this research carefully and thoughtfully, and of course we have also been engaging in dialogue with our Indigenous neighbours, like Alexander First Nation. I’m proud that we’ve made progress on some important activities together with AFN, but there is still much to do. We are actively building meaningful connection for the betterment of our communities.” 

On August 19, Sturgeon County and Alexander First Nation signed a Relationship Agreement at the Alexander First Nation Treaty Day and Pow Wow. This agreement is one of the outcomes of the Collaboration Committee, formed earlier this year, with council representatives from both Alexander First Nation and Sturgeon County.  

“The Collaboration Committee has provided us the opportunity to listen to Indigenous voices, gain better understanding of our respective community’s needs, and to follow the lead of Alexander First Nation, particularly with respect to Truth and Reconciliation and the Calls to Action,” said Mayor Hnatiw. “Through this Committee and the Relationship Agreement, we have the mechanisms that will help us continue to collaborate on initiatives for economic growth, including expanding the hydrogen economy and participating in the Villeneuve Landing Network at the Villeneuve Airport.” 

The Collaboration Committee includes Councillors Kevin Arcand and Chris Arcand from Alexander First Nation, and Councillors Neal Comeau and Deanna Stang from Sturgeon County. 

Mayor Hnatiw also declared August 23, 2022, as Treaty No. 6 Recognition Day in Sturgeon County. 

More information on the Sturgeon County Interpretation of Municipal Calls to Action can be found in the Council Meeting Request for Decision

New Sturgeon County Land Acknowledgement: 

“Sturgeon County recognizes we are meeting on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional homelands of Alexander and Michel First Nations, as well as the Métis Nation of Alberta’s Region 4.   

We are all Treaty People; we love and cherish this place we call home and the land that provides for us. A place where our families, friends, and other relations live and grow. We commit ourselves to continually becoming better Treaty people so that this place and those we love continue to thrive as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flows.” 

For more information:
Jackie Sargent, SCMP
Manager, Corporate Communications
Email

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