Treaty 7 flag could be flown at Calgary City Hall

TheTreaty 7 flag might soon be hoisted outside Calgary City Hallas a gesture of respect for the Indigenous peoples of southern Alberta.

A council committee approved a motion this week to fly the flag beside those from the city, Alberta, Canada and the Union Jack.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi says the idea comes out of recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

"Symbolic things matter and they called upon municipalities and other governments to do symbolic acts of reconciliation," he said.

"It's why I start every speech by acknowledging the land we're on. It's why flying the flag makes a difference and it's why maybe one or two other things that will come before council this year are important to do."

Kevin Littlelight, who speaks for the Tsuut'ina Nation, calls it a fantastic gesture.

"It would be such a monumental, forward thing for Aboriginal relations and the City of Calgary to lead the rest of Canada if no other cities have done that," he said.

If council approves the measure at its next meeting, a flag-raising ceremony will be held later this year.

Treaty 7 was signed in 1877 by Her Majesty and the leadership of the theSiksika(Blackfoot),Kainai(Blood),Piikani (Peigan), Stoney-Nakoda, andTsuut'ina(Sarcee) First Nations.

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