Regina Mayor Michael Fougere and File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council Chief Edmund Bellegarde. Photo courtesy of Manfred Joehnck.
It’s about respect, honour, reconciliation and moving forward together.
Today, the City of Regina and the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council signed a new protocol agreement. The agreement is an acknowledgement of the spirit and intent of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.
Regina’s mayor, Michael Fougere and Tribal Council Chief, Edmund Bellegarde, spent nearly an hour together during a pipe ceremony before the official signing took place. It helped cement the bond and give deeper meaning to the new partnership. Fougere says action, and not just words, is what reconciliation is all about.
“We ought to and must reconcile what has been happening with our Indigenous community for so many years,” he said. “So, this is leadership by council.”
File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Chief Edmund Bellegarde says relations with the city are good, but urban Aboriginal people are still struggling and disadvantaged.
“And that is a disparity that has to be addressed through public policy, and at the federal, provincial and municipal level,” he said. “This step is a step in leading at a local level.”
This agreement, which was signed at the gathering place in Regina, replaces one that was signed 10 years ago. The updated version pays particular attention to reconciliation.
It also sets up working committees between the two groups that will meet regularly to deal with mutual goals and areas of concern.
The first meetings took place shortly after the official signing ceremony.