Town of Bonnyville council wants to strengthen community ties between themselves and Kehewin Cree Nation, and are taking steps to do so.
After attending discussions and a pipe ceremony at Kehewin earlier in the month, council voted in favour of participating in regular leaders meetings, the formation of a working group, and supporting Kehewin’s use of the Bonnyville Rodeo Grounds for events during their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 12.
Mayor Gene Sobolewski noted the decision is long overdue.
“It’s just the neighbourly thing to do. I think we’ve been far too long in not working with our indigenous neighbours, and council felt that it’s important that there be inclusion. Particularly since we’re on the traditional lands of Treaty Six.”
Ben Badger, Tribal Headman with Kehewin, agreed.
“We can become better neighbours, and it’s up to us as leaders to start to prioritize relationship building so we can work better together.”
While their previous relationship was cordial, Sobolewski noted the town wanted to see it improved.
“We didn’t have meetings very often, (we’re) neighbours, but we never really engaged a lot. That’s something that we as a council wanted to change, and we’re doing it with all of our neighbours.”
With their partnership, the hope is to bring both communities closer together.
“Kehewin’s biggest mandate from our chief is to always create good relationships wherever we go. We’re doing a lot of things locally, regionally, and we’re trying to get involved and up to speed with what’s happening all over and internationally. Back at home in our lands, we have neighbours in close proximity wise and we need to pay attention to those relationships,” Badger detailed.
Town assistant CAO Bill Rogers noted the first leaders meeting will be held on Monday, April 1 at Kehewin.
“This would involve the mayor, the chief of Kehewin, and as many councillors as could attend,” he said, adding going forward they would plan to meet every two months.
Sobolewski, Coun. Elisa Brosseau, and Coun. Chad Colbourne were appointed to the working group, with Coun. Brian McEvoy serving as an alternative.
“(The working group) would meet regularly to discuss common issues, work on projects, and discuss potential reconciliation activities between the two communities,” Rogers explained.
A terms of reference hadn’t yet been discussed, but Rogers believes it will be determined at the first meeting.
With the town passing the motion to support Kehewin Cree Nation using the Bonnyville Rodeo Grounds, that could mean events such as Indian Relay Racing may be coming to town.
“We got asked to host the season opener for the Canadian Indian Relay Racing Association (CIRRA). It’s a fast-growing sport for us indigenous people. We ride horses bareback around the track, and it’s something that we would like to bring to the area,” Badger said, adding they’re waiting to hear back from the Bonnyville Ag Society for approval to host at the grounds.
If they get the go-ahead, the event would take place Saturday, May 18 to Sunday, May 19.
