The recent removal of the Treaty 6 flag in Barrhead has sparked controversy and disappointment among Indigenous leaders. Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, Billy Morin, has expressed his concerns and called it a “step backwards for reconciliation.”
The Treaty 6 flag was taken down from the town’s flagpole on December 21, 2020, after being flown for only a few days. The flag was raised as a symbol of reconciliation and to honor the Indigenous communities in the area. However, it was removed due to complaints from some residents who felt that the flag was “divisive.”
In response to the removal, Grand Chief Morin stated that it was a “disheartening” and “disrespectful” decision. He emphasized the importance of the Treaty 6 flag as a symbol of unity and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. He also pointed out that the flag represents the historical and ongoing relationship between the government and Indigenous nations.
The Treaty 6 flag was designed in 2016 by the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and the City of Edmonton. It features a circle of 13 stars representing the 13 First Nations that signed the treaty in 1876. The flag also includes the symbols of the four sacred medicines: tobacco, sweetgrass, sage, and cedar.
Grand Chief Morin further stated that the removal of the flag sends a negative message to Indigenous communities and undermines the efforts towards reconciliation. He urged the town of Barrhead to reconsider their decision and to work towards building a stronger relationship with the Indigenous peoples in the area.
The town of Barrhead has since issued a statement apologizing for any harm caused by the removal of the flag. They have also committed to working with the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations to find a solution that is respectful and inclusive.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing work that needs to be done towards reconciliation and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The Treaty 6 flag represents a significant step towards this goal, and its removal is a setback in these efforts. It is crucial for all communities to continue to educate themselves and work towards building a more inclusive and respectful society.
