A new Reconciliation Advisory Circle (RAC) is in the works for the Municipality.
The group came about out from discussions shared among over 100 community members at the Truth and Reconciliation Circle on Oct. 23, 2019.
Also joining them that day was Mayor Don Scott, councillors, Indigenous elders, and other community leaders.
Elder Alice Martin proposed a group of Indigenous representatives to advise the RMWB.
She said the RAC is the next step and shows a genuine commitment from the Municipality.
“We want to compliment the work the Municipality is doing and in order for it to be meaningful, there needs to be a commitment from the RMWB and from local Indigenous People – it has to be driven by both as an equal partnership and with local people moving us forward.”
Mayor Don Scott agreed, saying the RAC would share important perspectives from Indigenous elders and partners to move reconciliation forward.
“The Municipality is committed to reconciliation and collaborating with our Indigenous partners to build a stronger Wood Buffalo region. The new Reconciliation Advisory Circle will help our community come together and move the healing process forward.”
The Truth and Reconciliation Circle encouraged open and honest discussion about improving relationships with Indigenous peoples in Wood Buffalo.
They also function as part of the RMWB’s action on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action Report.
Moreover, the RMWB identified 23 calls to action under their jurisdiction and are able to act of them or direct.
Additional information about the Truth and Reconciliation Circle is available on the Municipality’s website.
McMurray Métis CEO Bill Loutitt also spoke at the sharing circle about the status of their letter concerning Mocassin Flats.
