Town of Strathmore celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day

The Town of Strathmore hosted National Indigenous Peoples Day on Friday afternoon.

The event started off with an opening prayer and blessing from Elder Randy Alexander. Visiting princess royalty from schools in Strathmore and Carseland were also on hand to take in the event.

The town's Indigenous Liaison Astokomii Smith says there was an incredible powwow dance demonstration, "I want to say we had 10 dancers from Siksika, Tsuutʼina, all over Treaty 7."

Pam Piche, a Metis jigger, also shared a little bit about her culture and performed some traditional jigging during the event.

Pam Piche performs some Métis jigging.

Following the event the Treaty 7 flag was raised outside of the town's municipal building.

"I think this is really important because it's recognizing all the tribes of Treaty 7. I think it was really special to do this today on National Indigenous Peoples Day," added Smith.

The Treaty 7 flag.

Smith says the event was a big step for the town in fostering relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents, "There's a lot of talk about what we (as a society) can do better and little action, but I think days like today where we are inviting Indigenous people, speakers, dancers, singers, vendors and putting up the flag, I think it's a strong statement sent out to the community by the Town of Strathmore."

According to Smith, as the year's go on, the town is hoping to make the day even bigger.