HERITAGE OTTAWA

In a moving ceremony outside Ottawa City Hall this morning, Elders and Chiefs of two Algonquin Anishinabe First Nations ( Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn ) along with Councillor Mathieu Fleury, raised the Flags of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn and unveiled an original commemorative artwork as they welcomed City representatives and local citizens to their traditional, unceded territory.

The ceremony marked the start of the City of Ottawa's annual Aboriginal Awareness Day.

In honour of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation, the indigenous Host Nation of Ottawa and surrounding areas, the Chiefs and Councillor Fleury unveiled an outdoor commemorative artwork designed by Anishinabe artist Dean Ottawa, of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg.  The piece consists of an artistic plaque attached to a large stone, which was selected and moved from Pikwàkanagàn to City Hall where it will remain permanently.

Presentations were made by Elders Shirly Kohoko and Peter Decontie, Chief Kirby Whiteduck (Pikwakanagan), Chief Jean Guy Whiteduck, Dean Ottawa, (the artist of the monument), and Councillor Mahieu Fleury, among others. This ceremony forms part of the City of Ottawa's commitment to sound relations with the Algonquin peoples, in whose territory we all live. The Eagle River Singers and Josée provided drumming and traditional dancing.

Earlier inside City Hall, Senator Murray Sinclair had delivered a keynote address regarding how to make recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission come to life.

“This commemoration honours and celebrates the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation, its peoples and land. The message on the artwork’s plaque affirms the presence of the Algonquin Anishinabeg on this territory for millennia,” said Mayor Jim Watson in a written statement.  “This significant unveiling reaffirms the City’s commitment to listen, to learn and to work with the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation into the future.”

The flags of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation will fly outside City Hall for the day.

Canada celebrates National Aboriginal Day on June 21, 2016. For more information visit the Government of Canada website.

The National Capital Commission (NCC) will host a Capital Urbanism Lab highlighting First Nations architecture and design on June 21.  Follow the link for more information and to pre-register.