The Town of Okotoks received a Blackfoot-painted lodge on Saturday afternoon (June 3).
Mayor Tanya Thorn, Chief Administrative Officer Elaine Vincent, members of council, and a few other guests participated in a ceremony where the tipi was transferred by four Blackfoot Elders at Laudan Park.
The day was about moving forward, says Thorn.
"Recognizing our past and the uncomfortable truths of what that past is. That's the only way that we can build a path forward.
"For our council, inclusivity and equality is a huge part of the values that this council has brought forward. It's in our strategic plan, it's the values of our community. This is honouring that in a way that is recognizable by the indigenous cultures that we want to reconcile with."
Members of the community were invited to listen to the transfer which took place in the town's new official tipi.
Other local politicians, including Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, Foothills MP John Barlow also attended.
Thu, Apr 18, 1:00 PM
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