Today marks the 25th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. Indigenous leaders say this year is especially significant after the remains of 215 children were found on the grounds of a former residential school in Kamloops.
In Fort St. John, Mayor Lori Ackerman raising the Treaty 8 flag today in front of City hall. It was part of a ceremony with representatives from Doig River First Nation, including Chief Trevor Makadahay and the Treaty 8 tribal association. The flag will permanently be flown beside the city flag.
"I think it's a message for all to drive by and see it, that we can and must do better. It's an opportunity for us to acknowledge that there's a lot more that we don't know, than what we do know. The errors of the past need to be rectified." Mayor Ackerman said.
The national observance recognizes the heritage, diverse cultures and achievements of first nations like Inuit and Métis peoples. June is also National Indigenous History month.
