Mayor Tyler Gandam has issued a statement on the occasion of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is day for us to celebrate and learn about the culture and heritage of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, especially those living in and around Wetaskiwin. Our connection to Indigenous Peoples through land and community is a big part of what Wetaskiwin is.
The City of Wetaskiwin (wītaskiwinihk) gets its name from a Cree word meaning “coming or being together in peace” or “the hills where peace was made, and refers to the story of two young Chiefs from the Cree and Blackfoot tribes.
If you get the opportunity to attend one of the powwows in Maskwacis, go! The dancing, drumming and atmosphere is fantastic! Plenty of great artwork and food to see and try there as well.
We have so much history and culture so close to our home — try and experience as much as you can.