A flag-raising ceremony was held at St. Albert Place on Sunday, Sept. 12. The flag-raising was part of the recommendations in the 2019 Payhonin Reconciliation of St. Albert Final Report.

Each flag has its own designated spot and will be on permanent display.

St. Albert Mayor Cathy Heron says she is happy to finally have the flags up.

Grand Chief Vernon Watchmaker says it’s the continuation of reconciliation efforts happening throughout the province.

“On behalf of the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations, it’s one of our mandates to have more events with the local towns, (municipal districts), so that we can bring forth, you know, I guess, education, awareness, of the relationship we have through treaty. I think these events are not just a symbolic gesture, but the beginning of the good discussions that’s going to be taking place. You know, task force teams, and so forth, so it’s all good intentions.”

Dana Stromberg is the Indigenous Relations coordinator for St. Albert. She said the flag-raising kicks off a number of events in the city. They include a dance and arts and culture demonstrations that are open to the public and following Alberta Health Services COVID-19 protocols.

For further information about the events, check out the city’s website at stalbert.ca or visit the Facebook page.