Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park hosted hundreds of local residents and students in celebration of National Aboriginal Day.
Before the party began, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the City of Prince George and the Host First Nation.
Elected Council Member Vanessa West says this is another important step.
“It’s not that we, as a nation, hold anything against what took place in the past, we just want that acknowledgement that it did take place and that we’re moving forward in a path of reconciliation. It demonstrates that we’d like to work in partnership with these organizations.”
The agreement includes continued acknowledgement of holding events on traditional territory, developing social and economic needs for everyone, and investing in intergovernmental relationships at all levels.
West believes her community is a forward-thinking group and wants to see stronger reconciliation.
“We want to develop those relationships. We see the opportunities for both sides and we’re just thankful that we have people in our community that really want to work with our First Nation.”
The Lheidli T’enneh has also made several other MOUs with UNBC, CNC, and the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.
Hundreds of residents, young & old, take in sights of #NADCanada celebrations in #LheidliTenneh Park; talent show on stage | #CityOfPG pic.twitter.com/WKodxemXyQ
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) June 21, 2017