Photo courtesy of Gayleen Froese
A Treaty 6 flag was raised over the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre facility, symbolizing a commitment to reconciliation.
The flag was raised in front of the facility, marking the first time a Treaty 6 flag has permanently flown alongside the provincial and Canadian flags at an Alberta Health Services (AHS) facility.
Andrea Thain Liptak, senior operating officer for Rural Acute Care, Allied Health, Primary Care, and Indigenous Health in AHS Central Zone, said the flag has an important meaning for everyone who visits or works at the hospital.
“This flag is a sign of welcome to First Nations peoples who require healthcare services, or who come to visit family at the hospital,” said Liptak. “We are committed to eliminating anti-Indigenous racism and improving the care experience and health outcomes for Indigenous people. Raising the Treaty 6 flag is a constant reminder of this commitment for us and for First Nation patients, residents, and families.”
A flag-raising ceremony took place on the hospital grounds and opened with a pipe ceremony and included a traditional Cree flag and honour song.
The ceremony featured speeches from leaders including a member of the Order of Canada, commissioner on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and a champion in the development of the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Grand Chief Wilton Littlechild.
“When we raise the Treaty 6 flag here, it is to advance reconciliation,” Littlechild said. “It’s an act of reconciliation, recalling what our ancestors agreed to in the past. Not only to have peace and goodwill but to have good relations going forward. Peaceful co-existence going forward.”
Other speakers featured included Liptak, Tyler Gandam Wetaskiwin Mayor, and members of the leadership of the four Nations at Maskwacis.
“This flag represents a response to the health-related calls to action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report,” said Tracy Lee, senior advisor for the Indigenous Wellness Core. “It reaffirms that the Indigenous health experience needs to be improved and further recognizes the need for health equity. Lastly, it recognizes and honours Treaty 6 territory.”
Monique Janes, AHS director for Rural Acute Care for Central Zone, explained that the flag-raising ceremony made for a special and exciting day, but work needs to be done every day.
“To properly honour this flag, we need to weave into our daily work a commitment to reconciliation with First Nations peoples,” said Janes. “Everyone at AHS, no matter their role, must do the real and difficult work of reconciliation by acting on what matters to Indigenous patients, families, communities and Nations.”
**With information from Alberta Health Services.