Edmonton to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation; signs agreement for urban reserve
Alberta's capital city has formally renewed its commitment to working with Treaty 6 First Nations and agreed to explore an urban reserve in Edmonton with one member nation.
Mayor Don Iveson signed two memoranda of cooperation and dialogue at city hall on Tuesday: one with the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and another with Kehewin Cree Nation northwest of Edmonton.
The first was a renewal of an agreement previously signed in 2012, while the second paves the way for Kehewin to create an urban reserve in Edmonton.
"This is moving from abstract to a concrete and defined work plan to develop an urban reserve with Kehewin," Iveson explained.
"It's the first; I don't think it'll be the last. There are number of other chiefs who are very interested and are watching closely what we're doing here."
'NOT JUST SYMBOLIC': GRAND CHIEF
Urban reserves are typically developed near or in a city as an expansion to an existing reserve. While the First Nation and federal government are the primary players in the process, municipalities provide the services and sometimes are involved in the planning stages.
Vernon Watchmaker, Kehewin chief and grand chief of the confederacy, called Wednesday's signing historic.
"I believe this relationship is not just a symbolic gesture. It's going beyond that and having the discussions to develop a more committed relationship," he told media after.
Watchmaker said roughly half of Kehewin's 2,200 members live in an urban area; he wants the same opportunities for them as are available to other Edmontonians.
Urban reserves are considered to have boosted economic growth and revitalization in other provinces, most commonly through the creation of commercial and industrial districts.
"Revenue, I guess, that is realized in this way can be benefits going back (to the existing reserve)," Watchmaker said, noting rural reserves sometimes need better capital infrastructure.
Commenting more on the interest he's heard from other First Nations, Iveson added, "[They've] expressed interest in doing this, both as an economic development – and we welcome the investment and the jobs – and also potentially preserving culturally significant sites – such as the Enoch burial ground in west Edmonton."
As for the city's benefit, he said: "The chance to do economic reconciliation while supporting prosperity for our city and region is kind of a lovely two for one."
CITY, POLICE TO RECOGNIZE SEPT. 30
The city also announced Wednesday it and Edmonton Police Service will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.
Iveson said the decision is part of its commitment to the Indigenous community to recognize past wrongs and build bridges for the future, and could be made after payroll and IT logistics were sorted.
Employees will be given a day of leave with pay.
They are being encouraged to use the day to learn about the intergenerational trauma caused to Indigenous people.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.