As early results from the Local Government Study are being collated, here are some highlights from local partnership initiatives in Amiskwaciy-wâskahikan (ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ), or Edmonton, a prairie city situated on Treaty Six territory and home to diverse Indigenous Peoples including the Nêhiyaw (Cree), Dené, [.1] Anishi- naabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Isga (Nakota Sioux) and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot). Edmonton also serves as a Métis homeland and is one of the largest communities of Inuit south of the 60th parallel. As the city with the second highest Indigenous population in Canada, where 1 in 19 identify as Indigenous, this city and its people have shifted towards acknowledging Indigenous history and presence within the city, and creating dialogue around Indigenous- settler relationships to work towards a healthier, more inclusive and equitably prosperous future
Here are some chronological highlights of partnership initiatives with Indigenous communities and local government. Read all 9 highlights here (pg.72, EN, FR).
1. Like other cities, Edmonton has a staffed Indigenous Relations Office (IRO). The IRO seeks to fulfill the objectives set out in its 2005 Urban Aboriginal Accord. The process of developing the Accord involved 1,800 people from Indigenous communities.
2. A Welcome Guide was created in 2012 to serve the immediate needs of Indigenous people who are new to Edmonton.
3. Neka’new’ak, or “the ones who led the way,” is a walk of honour for Indigenous artists who have blazed trails in the film industry, run by the Dreamspeakers Festival Society, which supports and educates the public about Aboriginal culture, art and heritage. It is a resource for Aboriginal filmmakers, directors, scriptwriters, cameramen, technicians, actors, musicians, storytellers, artists and craftspeople.
Continues here (pg.72, EN, FR).
