The Town of Peace River marked National Aboriginal Day today.
The flags of the Metis and Treaty 8 First Nations both flying high after being raised in Peace River today. (Photo/Peace River Broadcasting)
For the first time ever, the Metis Nation flag, as well as the flag for the Treaty 8 First Nations, were both raised at the town’s traffic circle in front of the Linc Weaver Park beside KFC.
“The aboriginal peoples are a big part of this town’s population,” said Peace River Mayor Tom Tarpey. “The Alberta average for the First Nation, Metis and Inuit population is about six percent, but here in our community, it’s at about 12 percent.
“I think that it is important to recognize their important contribution,” he continued. “And I think that we should continue to use their talents to further this community.”
Just before the flag was raised, Elder George Isidore from the Sucker Creek First Nation, said a prayer commemorating the event. As the flags were raised by Mayor Tarpey and by Metis Nation Region 6 President Sylvia Johnson, Isidore sang a song in the tradition Cree language, which is commonly known as the flag song.
“National Aboriginal Day is very special to us,” Johnson told the Trending 55 Newsroom after the flag was raised. “It’s very special because the Metis people just recently signed a treaty with the (Department of Indigenous Affairs). We’ve had our meetings with our honourable Prime Minister, and we’ve really leaped forward in leaps and bounds.”
Elder George Isidore (far right) from Sucker Creek First Nation sings the flag song as Peace River Mayor Tom Tarpey and Metis Nation Region Six President Sylvia Johnson raise the flags on the poll. (Photo/Peace River Broadcasting)
Johnson says that this event makes them equal partners with Treaty 8, with First Nations, as well as with the Inuit.
“I think that the way of the future is unity,” she continued. “It includes all aboriginal people celebrating together, and to feel a united, true together that all aboriginal people are one people.”
Echoing those sentiments was Diane Arcand-Lavoie, the Vice-Chairperson of the Holy Family Catholic Regional Board.
“I must say that I had tears in my eyes as I watched the flags go up,” said Arcand-Lavoie, who is herself a Metis person. “It’s a pretty momentous occasion, in that we are recognizing that we are on Treaty 8 territory, as well as on the Metis homeland land, and it’s a great opportunity for our reconciliation.
“We are all treaty people, and it’s important that we recognize that,” she continued. “Whether our ancestors were part of the people who signed the treaties or not, we are all a part of the living result of the treaties that were formed, and it’s important that our young people recognize and understand that.”
Wendy Goulet from Peace River’s Aboriginal Inter-Agency Committee says she’s very proud to see both flags flying together for this special occasion within the community.
“We hope that this will be something that continues into an annual event,” said Goulet. “It kind of marks our 15-thousand years of indigenous peoples being in this nation.
“As well, many people in our community are the descendants of the original signatories of Treaty 8,” she continued. “So it’s a very proud day to see those two flags flying.”
Various dignitaries, as well as First Nations students from various schools in the community, turned out to witness the event.
At 6 PM tonight, the Peace River Municipal Library will kick-off their Annual Aboriginal Art Show.
– Posted by BET
