Dozens attended the grand opening of Kiyãm Community Park in downtown Fort McMurray.
The official opening of the park on Jan. 24 featured the raising of flags representing Canada, Alberta, the RMWB, Treaty 8 and Métis, and an Indigenous honour song.
Kiyãm in the Cree and Michif languages means “Let it Be”, and is used when one is at peace with themselves and their surroundings.
“I am tremendously appreciative of everyone that played a role in the development and official opening of Kiyām Community Park, including the previous Council which approved the project,” Said Mayor Sandy Bowman. “This new park will contribute to a more vibrant downtown while celebrating our community spirit and northern and Indigenous heritage.”
Included at Kiyãm is a community flagpole, where members recognized the upcoming Arctic Winter Games by raising the AWG International Committee flag.
Notable features of the park include a medicine wheel rock garden, natural playground, an interactive water feature, and public art displays.
A temporary mural showcasing Wood Buffalo by artist Sedef Uzer Prakash is also on display, along with Pop-up Photography Tour by local photographer, Crystal Mercredi.
Kiyãm Community Park is located across the street of Jubilee Plaza at the corner of Franklin Ave and Main St.
