(File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Truth & Reconciliation

City of P.A. looking at more efforts to better relationship with Indigenous people

Mar 15, 2022 | 1:48 PM

The City of Prince Albert is aiming to improve its relationship with Indigenous people through reconciliation.

P.A.’s council met on Monday for an executive committee meeting where they were given a report on the Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action and efforts they can take.

Previously, Councillor Tony Head had recommended three specific actions: reform laws and policies based on European sovereignty over Indigenous peoples and lands, implement strategies and procedures for the ongoing identification, documentation, maintenance, commemoration, and protection of residential school cemeteries or other sites, and participate in a strategy to commemorate Aboriginal peoples’ history and contributions to Canada.

Instead, the city is now looking at 12 different actions which include eliminating over-representation of Indigenous people in custody, creating an Indigenous-specific victim service, and telling the stories of Indigenous athletes.

Head told paNOW this is a great step in the right direction.

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“Definitely inspiring to see that we can do more and I’m hoping that in the upcoming months and years we will have a focused approach on those calls to action.”

Education also appears to be a big focus for the city.

Head said the public would benefit greatly by learning more about Indigenous culture. He also believes it should be necessary all city staff take the time to educate themselves.

“It’s ongoing work. I mean we’ve had a changeover in staff over the years. So, having that piece even as a condition of hire to take that course is important.”

It appears the city agrees as educating staff is one of the several efforts they’ve already undertaken.

Other actions include land acknowledgments at meetings, raising a Treaty 6 flag in Memorial Square, recognizing and taking part in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and naming three community parks after Indigenous veterans.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow