The Heart of Treaty Six Reconciliation Declaration is one step closer to coming into fruition in Lloydminster.
The declaration is about continuing the process of reconciliation and will set a framework for the city to help with their relationships with indigenous peoples. Councillor Michael Diachuk says this will be the beginning of the journey of reconciliation .
“I know certainly there a lot of activities are underway. I think at looking at other communities they’ve developed strategies and signed [Memorandum of Understanding] and [Memorandum of Agreement] and other pieces. I think symbolically for our community this will be kind of that starting point to say officially we are doing something.”
Lakeland College opening a indigenous student lounge and Lloydminster Public School District bringing in indigenous storytellers are all part of the city recognizing the indigenous history.
Part of the declaration is to not set in stone the activities the city will participate in due to potential changes in the laws. Councillor Diachuk says it’s a precaution as bylaws and policies can change regarding reconciliation in the future.
“It’s just a heads up that as we head down this way there could be changes if you’re going to embrace all of the truth and reconciliation recommendations particularly those that apply to municipalities.”
The signing of the official document will take place in March.
