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City to forever fly First Nation’s flags

June 21, 2018
Mike Vlasveld, Ottawa Matters

The flags of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council will permanently fly at Ottawa City Hall.

Thursday marks National Indigenous Peoples Day.

During a ceremony Thursday morning, Mayor Jim Watson requested to have the flags permanently raised.

“The City of Ottawa readily acknowledges that our land is located on un-ceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation,” said the mayor. “Ottawa is honoured to celebrate the history, heritage and culture of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation, the original Indigenous caretakers of our land. Permanently raising the flags is a step towards reconciliation, and it recognizes the significant past and present contributions of the Algonquin Anishinabe peoples to our city and our country.”

The flags will also be displayed in Council Chambers and in the mayor’s boardroom.

“Today is a historic day for The Algonquin Anishinabe Nation” added Grand Chief Verna Polson, Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council. “Our flags provide identity to our Nation. We hold great pride that our Nation’s flags will be flying outside Ottawa City Hall, and be displayed in Council Chambers and in the mayor’s boardroom. The City of Ottawa is Canada’s capital as such this event is of great historic, social and spiritual significance to Algonquin Anishinabe peoples who have lived on this land since time immemorial.”

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