National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at Medicine Hat City Hall on June 19

The formal program will include an opening prayer and smudge, an honour song, a land acknowledgement from Mayor Linnsie Clark, and remarks and performances from community members and Indigenous artists.

Scheduled participants include Blackfoot Elder Charlie Fox, who will lead the opening prayer and smudge, honour song performers Mekethia Fairbanks and Andrew Spotted Bull, guest speaker Brenda Mercer, jingle dancer Josie Saddleback and Métis jigger Aleigha Aaker.

A flag recognition ceremony will also be held, featuring the Blackfoot Confederacy, Métis Nation and Cree flags, followed by closing remarks from Métis Elder Sandi Hendry.

“As we mark National Indigenous History Month and recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honour the historical traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy, including Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Stoney Nakoda, Tsuut’ina nations, along with the Treaty 4 territory of the Cree, Sioux, and Saulteaux people. We also acknowledge the Métis Nation District 2 Battle River Territory, who have longstanding connections to this land,” Acting director of community development Aaron Nelson said in a statement from the City.

“The wisdom, cultures, and lived experience of these Nations continue to strengthen our community and our relationships with one another. Today and throughout the year, we recognize the importance of coming together in a spirit of respect and reciprocity – listening with openness, learning with humility, and working together towards meaningful reconciliation.”

Following the formal program, attendees are encouraged to take part in an informal gathering featuring bite-sized baked bannock, strawberry drink and cedar tea. Activities will also include drumming, dancing, crafting and a teepee set up on the grass near Finlay Bridge.

The City says the event is part of broader National Indigenous History Month programming, which it will also highlight Indigenous art, culture and heritage in its weekly Neat to Know newsletter throughout June.

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READ: ‘We’ve been here for thousands of years’: Medicine Hat marks National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21, 2024)

by Jesse Gill

National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at Medicine Hat City Hall on June 19

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