Town of Blackfalds Unveils New Land Acknowledgement

On National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (September 30), the Town of Blackfalds unveiled a new Land Acknowledgement, which was a collaborative project between Council, Administration, and local Indigenous leaders and groups. 

In January of this year, the Town of Blackfalds created the Treaty 6 Land Acknowledgement Review Committee as it was felt that the previously used Land Acknowledgement lacked authenticity, and should be more meaningful, genuine, and reflect the Town’s commitment for relationship building and reconciliation.

The Committee met with local Elders and Knowledge Keepers for input and guidance, but also shared the draft Acknowledgement with the Buffalo Clan, which is comprised of students from both the Iron Ridge Junior Campus, and the Iron Ridge Secondary Campus. The feedback received from those youth was that that new Acknowledgement carried a more authentic and genuine tone.

In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, the Town of Blackfalds acknowledges that we are on Treaty 6 territory, the ancestral lands of Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene and Nakota Sioux. We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and non-status peoples whose footsteps have marked these lands since time immemorial. We recognize the inherent relationships Indigenous communities have with this land and its creatures and commit to supporting reconciliation and healing. We honour the resilience, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, past and present. As we gather, we pledge to listen, learn, and take meaningful action toward a future based on mutual respect and understanding as we continue on our journey of truth and healing. We recognize that reconciliation is not a single act but a lifelong journey - one that requires accountability, humility, and the centering of Indigenous voices.

The Town of Blackfalds would like to thank the efforts of Elders Charlene and Russell Burns, Daryll Lickers, and the Buffalo Clan for helping us refine the statement.

Following its approval, the Land Acknowledgement was given to Bada Jean, a Nêhiyaw (Cree), Dene, and Welsh visual artist from Treaty 6 and 7 territory, who visually interpreted the new Land Acknowledgement and created a stunning art piece to accompany it. 

“At the center of the piece, a fancy dancer soars throughout the artwork. Her regalia is adorned with strawberries, a sacred and significant berry to us. Known as the heart berry or women’s berry, the strawberry nourishes us and symbolizes love and connection.
Beneath her shawl is the silhouette of the plains, where bison roam under the glow of a colourful sunset. Above her, the sky turns into night, spotted with stars and a crescent moon.
The Nehiyawak (Cree people) call themselves Star People, as we believe we are born from the stars and return to them when we pass on. Because of this teaching, stars have always held a special place in my artwork,” Bada Jean shared.

With the Acknowledgement and artwork completed, the Town of Blackfalds officially unveiled both during the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, and the Acknowledgement was blessed by Knowledge Keeper Tanya Ward-Schur.

The new Acknowledgement will be displayed at Town facilities, as well as shared before meetings and events.

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