By Rob Houle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
(ANNews) – Following the momentous night of October 18, 2021, Alberta Native News (ANNews) outlined what Indigenous people should be expecting from the new Mayor and City Council. That article touched briefly on what His Worship, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi included in his campaign, and the direction his advisors felt Edmontonians needed to go. The election period was one of polarizing perspectives and attempts to attack the credibility of front-runners like Mayor Sohi.
Aside from these attacks and troubling rhetoric, Edmontonians ultimately chose to take the city in a new direction. A direction focused on equity, addressing racism, reconciliation and creating an “Edmonton for All.” With those marching orders, Mayor Sohi took time the morning of October 28, 2021 to chat with ANNews. Questions and topics focused on his campaign promises and his experience gained holding national portfolios like Minister of Natural Resources.
The newly elected Mayor shared his deep respect for the territory of Treaty No. 6 and acknowledged “I came to the city with nothing… and my ability to be on this Treaty land allowed me to be successful.” This acknowledgement fuels his commitment to reconciliation, and the ongoing understanding that more work is needed.
From the onset of this new city council’s term, this aspect of recognition has been front and centre. As part of the swearing in process, each incoming councillor and Mayor are required to take an Oath of Office. For the first time in Edmonton’s history, this oath included a recognition of the territory and Indigenous peoples. The oath was shared with ANNews and appears as follows:
I, [NAME], swear that I will diligently, faithfully and to the best of my ability execute according to law the office of Councillor [Mayor] and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada including Treaties with Indigenous Peoples. So help me God.
I, [NAME], solemnly affirm that I will diligently, faithfully and to the best of my ability execute according to law the office of Councillor [Mayor] and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada including Treaties with Indigenous Peoples.
Although a small change, these types of recognitions and statements can have lasting effects for those that hear them. It also shows a progression of the institutions to move beyond archaic traditions and reflect modern understandings. Previously, additional changes included...continued
For full article click HERE.
(ANNews) – Following the momentous night of October 18, 2021, Alberta Native News (ANNews) outlined what Indigenous people should be expecting from the new Mayor and City Council. That article touched briefly on what His Worship, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi included in his campaign, and the direction his advisors felt Edmontonians needed to go. The election period was one of polarizing perspectives and attempts to attack the credibility of front-runners like Mayor Sohi.
Aside from these attacks and troubling rhetoric, Edmontonians ultimately chose to take the city in a new direction. A direction focused on equity, addressing racism, reconciliation and creating an “Edmonton for All.” With those marching orders, Mayor Sohi took time the morning of October 28, 2021 to chat with ANNews. Questions and topics focused on his campaign promises and his experience gained holding national portfolios like Minister of Natural Resources.
The newly elected Mayor shared his deep respect for the territory of Treaty No. 6 and acknowledged “I came to the city with nothing… and my ability to be on this Treaty land allowed me to be successful.” This acknowledgement fuels his commitment to reconciliation, and the ongoing understanding that more work is needed.
From the onset of this new city council’s term, this aspect of recognition has been front and centre. As part of the swearing in process, each incoming councillor and Mayor are required to take an Oath of Office. For the first time in Edmonton’s history, this oath included a recognition of the territory and Indigenous peoples. The oath was shared with ANNews and appears as follows:
I, [NAME], swear that I will diligently, faithfully and to the best of my ability execute according to law the office of Councillor [Mayor] and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada including Treaties with Indigenous Peoples. So help me God.
I, [NAME], solemnly affirm that I will diligently, faithfully and to the best of my ability execute according to law the office of Councillor [Mayor] and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada including Treaties with Indigenous Peoples.
Although a small change, these types of recognitions and statements can have lasting effects for those that hear them. It also shows a progression of the institutions to move beyond archaic traditions and reflect modern understandings. Previously, additional changes included...continued
For full article click HERE.