Three municipalities, two First Nations, several businesses, and groups around the Midwest region number among the group of thirty-two that have signed to deepen their commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
At the recent gala held by Heart of Treaty 6 or HOT 6, 32 representatives in the presence of the Lt. Governor of Saskatchewan Russ Mirasty signed 32 official copies of the commitment document to signal their intentions going forward.
Co-chair of HOT 6, Corrine Kelly-Hyde says the commitment is about educating, providing support, and furthering reconciliation efforts within the region.
“We don’t do this alone. There are a lot of individuals, leaders, and community members and organizations that are doing this work, and it was about celebrating that and making a commitment to move forward towards a more respectful and inclusive environment within Lloydminster and area.”
The commitment documents call for things like education about the past and building for a shared future. Heart of Treaty 6 holds meetings called Sharing Circles. Kelly-Hyde says it’s about everyone sharing in their path to reconciliation and joining together in education, healing and creating impactful change.
“It’s about expanding our circle. So, inviting additional members into the circle to see if they want to join us on the path, and hopefully impact every individual within our communities. And thinking about, what respect, equality, and inclusion look like.”
The signatories are Lloydminster, St. Walburg, Turtleford, Onion Lake Cree Nation, Poundmaker Cree Nation, Bandit Energy Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Brandi Hofer Studios, Cenovus Energy, Community Futures, Gold Horse Casino, Grace United Church, Lakeland College, Lloydminster & District Co-operative, Lloydminster & Vermilion for Equity, Lloydminster Catholic School Division, Lloydminster Public School Division, Interval Home Society, Lloydminster Métis Housing Group, Lloydminster Museum and Archives, Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre, Lloydminster Public Library, Lloydminster Region Health Foundation, Métis Local 18 Lloydminster, Midwest Family Connections, Office of the Treaty Commissioner, Rivers West District for Sport, Culture and Recreation, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Startup Lloydminster, Synergy Credit Union and Turtleford & District Co-operative.
The signing of the commitment document took place on Oct. 12.
