Proclamation of Indigenous People's Month 2023

Proclamation
Indigenous Peoples Month
June 2023

WHEREAS: In co-operation with Indigenous organizations, Canada’s Governor General proclaimed June 21 the first National Aboriginal Day in 1996; and

WHEREAS: In co-operation with Indigenous organizations, the Canadian government declared June National Aboriginal History Month on June 4, 2009; and

WHEREAS: National Indigenous Peoples Month provides an opportunity to acknowledge the unique achievements of First Nations, Métis and Inuit in fields as diverse as agriculture, the environment, business and the arts; and

WHEREAS: National Indigenous Peoples Month gives many people the chance to learn more about Aboriginal people and their contributions towards the country’s development and progress. First Nations, Métis and Inuit people have the opportunity to showcase their cultures and achievements throughout Canada; and

WHEREAS: Sioux Lookout’s beginnings are rooted in First Nation legend. The legend of Sioux Lookout tells the story of a battle between the Sioux and Ojibway. After ending years of surprise attacks by the Sioux who were visiting to trade, the Ojibway fought back by ambushing the Sioux at a high peak of land on what is now Pelican Lake; and

WHEREAS: On June 21, 2012 a Friendship Accord was signed by The Municipality of Sioux Lookout, Lac Seul First Nation and Slate Falls First Nation. This Accord centered on relationship building, partnership dynamics, current challenges that the communities are facing and opportunities to work collaboratively to address these challenges. Since the original Accord was signed, the First Nation communities of Cat Lake and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug have also become signatories to the Accord; and

WHEREAS: Council, in 2016, established a Municipal Truth and Reconciliation Committee which has provided action on Municipal responses to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action; and

WHEREAS: The Municipality of Sioux Lookout continues to forge positive relationships with First Nations leaders, work with First Nation agencies, collaborate with First Nations partners, and advocate for changes that support reconciliation.

NOW THEREFORE: I, Doug Lawrance, Mayor of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, do hereby proclaim June as Indigenous People’s Month and encourage all residents to celebrate together in recognition of the diversity with which our Indigenous people contribute to Sioux Lookout.

Doug Lawrance, Mayor

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