Loading articles...

Indigenous flags flying permanently over Fort Chipewyan

Indigenous flags flying over the Sonny Fleet Aquatic Centre in Fort Chipewyan, Alta. Image supplied by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Indigenous flags are flying permanently in Fort Chipewyan.

On Tuesday, May 31, 2022, members of RMWB Council joined local Indigenous leaders in the northern hamlet for the Fort Chipewyan Flag Raising Ceremony.

During the event, officials raised the flags of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, and the Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation at the Sonny Flett Aquatic Centre.

“We are proud to see the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation flag flying whenever we have the opportunity to display it,” Said Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam. “Our Nation is strong and vibrant, and our flag reminds all those who see it that these are our traditional territories, and the land of the Dene people.”

Mayor Sandy Bowman called participating in the flag raising ceremony a tremendous honour.

“Reconciliation takes all of us working together and my hope is this can serve as an important reminder and symbol of our collective commitment to better relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities.”

The Municipality previously updated its Flag Policy to recognize Indigenous community flags.

Kendrick Cardinal, President of the Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, spoke of the value behind the acknowledgement.

“There is still much work ahead, but our future together looks bright and we’re proud to call this region home.”

Cardinal thanked Mayor Bowman, RWMB councillors, and administrative staff for making the trip to Fort Chipewyan for the ceremony.

FLAG CEREMONY
Members of RMWB Council joined local Indigenous leaders for a formal flag raising ceremony in Fort Chipewyan, Alta. Image supplied by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

 

This is the second such formal flag raising at a municipal facility since the RMWB updated the flag policy.

READ MORE: Two Métis flags flying permanently in Anzac thanks to updated RMWB flag policy

In August 2021, the flag of the Willow Lake Métis Nation was raised in Anzac at the town’s Fire Hall and a gazebo park.