Treaty 6, Métis flags flying at U of A for first time in school’s history

For the first time, the Treaty Six Nations and Métis flags have been raised at the University of Alberta campus.

The Treaty 6 and Métis flags were raised by the University of Alberta for the first time on Wednesday at the school’s North Campus.

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“I hope that (passersby) see the history of these lands, they see the importance of truth and reconciliation to the university community,” president and vice chancellor Bill Flanagan told CTV News Edmonton at a ceremony at the flag plaza in the recently refreshed University Commons.

Representatives from the university, Treaty 6, Otipemisiwak Métis Government, and the Métis community attended the event, as did Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani and Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi.

Northern Cree, a singing and drumming group whose lead, Steve Wood, is a U of A alumni, and Juno-nominee Brianna Lizotte performed.

“It’s a wonderful day for the university. We’re opening up our beautiful new University Commons, which is really a crossroads for the entire university community, and it’s also an opportunity to honor Indigenous heritage of the university and the lands in which we’re situated,” Flanagan said.

“This is a historic moment.”

The newest flags will fly alongside the flags of Alberta, Canada and the University of Alberta.

The University Commons, formerly the Dentistry/Pharmacy Centre, was modernized and expanded to support student services, academics, administration and community events.

The building was originally built in 1921-22.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Darcy Seaton