Indigenous leaders from across the country came together in Drayton Valley, Alberta to discuss the ongoing process of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
The gathering, which took place on the traditional territory of the Cree, Saulteaux, and Nakota Sioux First Nations, was organized by the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and the Drayton Valley Indigenous Relations Committee.
The event was attended by over 100 Indigenous leaders, including chiefs, elders, and community members, as well as representatives from various levels of government and non-Indigenous organizations.
The discussions focused on the current state of reconciliation efforts and the challenges that still need to be addressed. Topics such as land rights, resource development, and the preservation of Indigenous languages and cultures were also on the agenda.
Chief Billy Morin of the Enoch Cree Nation, who co-chaired the event, emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration in the reconciliation process. He stated, “We need to come together and have these conversations in order to move forward and create a better future for all of us.”
The gathering also provided an opportunity for Indigenous leaders to share their experiences and perspectives on reconciliation. Chief Wilton Littlechild, a former commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, spoke about the importance of acknowledging and addressing the intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools.
The event also included a ceremony to honour the survivors of residential schools and their families, as well as a roundtable discussion on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The organizers hope that this gathering will serve as a starting point for ongoing discussions and actions towards reconciliation. Chief Morin stated, “We need to continue to work together and build relationships in order to achieve true reconciliation.”
The event concluded with a call to action for all Canadians to educate themselves on the history and ongoing issues faced by Indigenous peoples, and to actively support reconciliation efforts in their communities.
As the process of reconciliation continues, events like this gathering in Drayton Valley serve as a reminder of the importance of open dialogue, understanding, and collaboration in creating a more equitable and just society for all.
