Strathcona County, Atla. - On Thursday Nov. 18, 2021, which was also Métis Week, the Strathcona County RCMP had the honour of welcoming Elder Tom Snow and musician Shane Redstar for an official Treaty 6 Land Acknowledgment ceremony. Additionally it was acknowledged that we are in Region 4 of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Alta.
Treaty Land Acknowledgements have been sent to all RCMP Detachments across Alberta. A step towards a pathway to reconciliation and start community healing as we move towards establishing, maintaining and fostering respectful relationships and partnerships with the Indigenous communities and people we serve.
The Land Acknowledgment ceremony began with a Smudging ceremony and prayer by Elder Tom Snow. Followed by a prayer song by Shane Redstar and speeches from Superintendent Dale Kendall, Officer in Charge of the Strathcona County RCMP and Mayor Rod Frank.
“The Alberta RCMP, and locally as the Strathcona County RCMP strive to build strong, lasting and respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples in our area and across Canada,” said Superintendent Dale Kendall, Officer in Charge of the Strathcona County RCMP. “One way of doing this is by recognizing the traditional territory and peoples of the area that we are proud to live and work in.”
The Treaty 6 Land Acknowledgment will be displayed in the detachment front lobby and an additional copy internally within the detachment.