The Treaty 8 First Nation and Metis Nation of Alberta flags now in Grande Prairie City Council chambers. (Photo by Curtis Galbraith)

By Curtis Galbraith

City Hall

Treaty 8, Metis flags added to Grande Prairie City Council chambers

Sep 19, 2023 | 6:00 AM

A traditional pipe ceremony took place at Grande Prairie City Hall on Monday.

Flags that represent the Treaty 8 First Nations and the Metis Nation of Alberta were added to council chambers.

They will stand along with the city, Alberta, and Canada flags that surround the city crest behind the table where council sits during meetings.

Mayor Jackie Clayton says the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission include things like this that municipalities can embrace.

“It was significant in recognizing the process of reconciliation and it was an opportunity to open conversation and really be thankful and have a genuine conversation around education, future conversations, (and) making decisions for elected officials with consideration of Indigenous nations.”

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Clayton believes a ceremony like this can play a role in reconciliation.

“I think having the Treaty 8 flag and the Metis Nation flag in our chamber is a reminder of the priority elected officials have in embracing those relationships.”

“This council has identified significant priorities in regards to educating and introducing (to) our community opportunities to embrace themselves.”

Clayton says those opportunities can include going to a pow wow, learning about the meaning of a land acknowledgment, or talking to Indigenous people on how to be part of reconciliation.

She thinks it was important to have a ceremony…

“This isn’t just about an act; it’s about embracing the idea behind it.”

“The pipe ceremony is a sacred ceremony, but with the actual flag raising… it was significant in placing those flags in our chambers where as elected officials we make decisions.”

Local Metis and First Nations representatives and city council all took part in the ceremony.

Clayton says the flags are a permanent addition. This comes after council added a land acknowledgment before every council meeting several months ago.