The City of Edmonton and the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations renew commitment towards reconciliation as Treaty 6 flag ceremony took place at the City Hall this morning.

Edmonton City Hall celebrated Treaty 6 Recognition Day today, an annual event commemorating the signing of Treaty 6 and acknowledging the ongoing relationship between the city and the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations.

A flag raising ceremony took place at 8:15 a.m. The Treaty 6 flag now flies proudly at City Hall.

Mayor Don Iveson said this recommitment of the relationship will strengthen ties between the Treaty 6 First Nations and the City of Edmonton.

Rick Wilson, minister of Indigenous Relations, attended on behalf of the government of Alberta. He says he is always excited to take part in days where all communities come together in the spirit of reconciliation.

“What’s really important for the everyday Albertan is to realize that we do have treaty agreements with our First Nation people and to bring that recognition forward so it’s a better understanding between both communities that we can work together in the spirit of mutual friendship.”

Mayor Iveson presented this year’s proclamation to Grand Chief Okimaw Vernon Watchmaker and did a gift exchange at the end of the ceremony.

The first Treaty 6 Recognition Day was in 2012. Elder Ivy Raine provided a speech before she said a prayer at the opening ceremony this morning.

Further information about Treaty 6 and why the recognition day exists can be found at www.edmonton.ca/treaty6 and www.treaty6.org

Be sure to check out the videos and pictures from the event on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CFWE.FM