City hall ceremony celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day

By Justin Sibbet - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on June 22, 2023.

Herald photo by Justin Sibbet Drummers Patrick, Landon, Jay and Merlin Bad Eagle perform a traditional song on Wednesday as part of the opening ceremony for National Indigenous Peoples Day at city hall.

The city celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day Wednesday with a ceremony and a blessing by an Indigenous elder.

Several members from the neighbouring First Nations spoke alongside representatives of the city, including Deputy Mayor John Middleton-Hope.

He says the events were a great opportunity for the city to showcase their relationship with the Indigenous population of Lethbridge, as well as creating new opportunities for new dialogue with the Indigenous people of the area.

“Certainly, in the last year, we’ve seen a significant outreach from the Blood Tribe in particular, to assist us with managing some of the very significant challenges that we are facing in our downtown core. That’s really encouraging.”

Middleton-Hope said many of the committees and councils in Lethbridge have members from either the Kainai or Piikani nations.

“(They) provide insight into what occurs on both the Piikani and Kainai reserves and how that affects First Nations people living in the city and how we can develop a better relationship to live harmoniously together.”

He said the city focuses on every culture, although National Indigenous Peoples Day is set primarily for those individuals.

“We do that, not only with the Indigenous culture, that’s the showcase today, but we do that with all cultures that have come to the city of Lethbridge.”

Kirby Smith, a Blackfoot Confederacy tribal council director, also spoke at the ceremony and said there has been progress made toward reconciliation, especially from institutions such as schools or the homeless shelter.

“Many organizations have been taking it upon themselves to educate themselves, but also to include our people,” said Smith, adding the city has been instrumental in the recent progress and improved relationships.

“Certainly, the city has responded to us in a favourable way.”

Smith said there is still work that needs to be done.

“I think there is a reminder that it is still critical for us to have a clear understanding of who we are as a people.”

While many organizations publicly support the Indigenous populations in Lethbridge, Smith said individuals can do still do more.

“I think we should try to take it upon ourselves to really understand who we are, not just as First Nations, as Blackfoot people, but as citizens of Lethbridge. I think we need to take on that responsibility to do what we can to try to improve the conditions of our people. Both native and non-native.”