THE FUTURE OF POWWOW
Young powwow dancers celebrate National Aboriginal Day on Tuesday at Borden Park. Premier Rachel Notley told the crowd Alberta needs to create a more “inclusive society.”
As Premier Rachel Notley affirmed her government’s commitment to working with Alberta’s indigenous people on National Aboriginal Day, 40 new Canadians were sworn in Tuesday at an indigenous-led citizenship ceremony.
Addressing a large crowd gathered at Borden Park, Notley said Alberta needed to create a more “inclusive society.”
“My government’s commitment is to work with all of you, side by side, as true partners, as we chart a new way forward,” she said. “Together, we will build an inclusive society where indigenous people are full participants in the social, economic and cultural life of our province.”
Meanwhile, at Canada Place, the Aboriginal Commission for Human Rights and Justice prepared to welcome 40 new Canadians from nearly two dozen countries for the first time at a citizenship ceremony in Edmonton with a grand entry, traditional prayer, First Nations drummers and Métis dancers.
The ceremony was presided over by Muriel Stanley Venne, the commission’s chair, and founder of the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women.
“Indigenous people are the descendants of the original inhabitants of Canada,” Venne said before administering the oath of citizenship.
“Although indigenous people share many similarities, they are also very diverse … Together, they speak more than 50 languages. Most of these languages are only spoken in Canada.”
Roy Louis, a well-known former leader at Maskwacis, spoke to the new citizens about treaties 6 and 7, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Indian residential school system.
The ceremony was the first exposure to indigenous culture for many of the new citizens, said Aline Zaninka, who was born in Congo and granted Canadian citizenship Tuesday after arriving in Canada over four years ago.
“The ceremony was really great. We saw the good performance from aboriginal people and we learned more,” she said. “I’ll keep learning more.”
Being granted citizenship on National Aboriginal Day, just before Canada Day, she added, made the whole experience much more memorable.
“Whenever it happens again, I’ll remember that that’s when I got my citizenship.”
Moving ahead with the shared values of openness, respect and reconciliation, Notley said, remains the government’s commitment to Alberta’s indigenous population.
“Young and dynamic indigenous people who call Alberta home are an extremely important part of our province’s future.”
Tuesday marked the 20th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day.