City of Lethbridge: Reconciliation reaches new heights at City Hall

The permanent raising of the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy) flag signalled the official kick-off to Reconciliation Week within the city today.

The City of Lethbridge has made a number of commitments to Truth and Reconciliation, including, the new flagpoles outside City Hall will permanently fly the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy) flag. Earlier this year, Lethbridge City Council approved the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Recommendations and Work Plan, which follows a 2017 commitment to the address the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“Seeing the Siksikaitsitapi flag flying permanently outside City Hall is a visual reminder of the history of the land we’re located on,” says Mayor Chris Spearman. “I hope the visual sparks conversation, questions and encourages our community to engage in meaningful opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture. Recognition of Truth and Reconciliation is essential now more than ever.”

Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee Co-Chair, Treena Tallow, says the permanence of the flag speaks volumes to the efforts being taken to reach a mutual respect and understanding between the Blackfoot community and the City.

“Seeing the Blackfoot Confederacy flag flying in front of City Hall today is really special,” says Tallow. “The permanence of having Indigenous representation where the decision makers of our community hold office shows the commitment to reconciliation by the City and the welcomes conversation by the community.”

The City of Lethbridge will officially observe the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30, deepening our commitments to Truth and Reconciliation. To honour the importance of this day, City facilities will be closed on September 30. The City of Lethbridge is proud to publically recognize this day.

There are several online and in-person events taking place around the city during the month of September to recognize Reconciliation Week. For further information, please visit: www.lethbridge.ca/indigenousrelations

NT5