City, EPCOR, First Nations honour historic gravesite in Rossdale Flats

The City of Edmonton, Papaschase First Nation and Epcor have recognized a historical gravesite in Rossdale Flats. A sacred ceremony was held in the area on Monday.

The City of Edmonton and EPCOR took part in a pipe ceremony with Papaschase First Nation on Monday to recognize the historic gravesite in Rossdale Flats.

“Our hearts are full of joy with what happened today because this is the first step towards unity,” said Papaschase Chief Darlene Misik.

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Chief Papaschase held numerous sun dances at Rossdale Flats before losing his reserve and band in 1886.

In 2001, Papaschase First Nation fought EPCOR’s planned expansion of the Rossdale Flats powerplant. Those efforts led to the formal recognition of the historic gravesite in 2005.

Misik was a student-at-law when she obtained the injunction on behalf of the First Nation.

“It’s important that we come together as brothers with our non-Indigenous people that we made treaty with,” said Misik.