Indigenous flags raised at Municipal facility in Fort Chipewyan

Indigenous flags are now permanently flying at a Municipal facility in Fort Chipewyan —the Sonny Flett Aquatic Centre— as a visual reminder to recognize and honour that the land we live on, is the traditional lands of the Cree, Dene and Métis people.

The Fort Chipewyan Flag Raising Ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 31 during a Council tour of the community. During the event, the flags of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, and Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation were raised at the facility.

The event included an opening and closing blessing from Elder Alice Marten of the Mikisew Cree First Nation as well as messages from Indigenous leaders and Mayor Sandy Bowman. It marked the second formal flag-raising at a Municipal facility since the passing of an updated Flag Policy that recognizes and incorporates Indigenous community flags.

The first such flag raising ceremony took place last August in Anzac with the raising of the Willow Lake Métis Nation Flag at the gazebo park and at the Anzac Fire Hall.

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Supporting quotes

“We are proud to see the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation flag flying whenever we have the opportunity to display it. 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.”

-       Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam

“We are honoured to be a part of the flag raising ceremony and value this acknowledgement by the Municipality. There is still much work ahead, but our future together looks bright and we’re proud to call this region home. Thank you to the Mayor and Councillors as well as RMWB staff for making time to be in Fort Chipewyan today. It’s been a pleasure to welcome our neighbours into our community.”    

-       Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation President Kendrick Cardinal

“We are tremendously humbled and honoured to participate in today’s Indigenous flag raising ceremony. 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.”

-       Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Mayor Sandy Bowman