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Hit the play button to view the above video on issues of indigenous justice.
This art display celebrates the beginnings of this area. Originally called River Lot 15 and River Lot 17, this community was occupied by both settlers and Indigenous peoples. Use the QR code and continue to watch this video to learn some of the history between these two peoples.
The original intent of treaties between Indigenous peoples and settlers is seen in the Wampum Belts presented to the Dutch by the Haudenosaunee peoples. The belts showed two separate paths, a boat and a canoe on two streams giving life to the whole nation. As time went on, however, one stream the boat slowly took other. For example, according to Treaty 6, one first community called Papaschase was supposed to be in the Cloverdale area. Eventually, they were moved south to what is present-day Mill Woods.
Also, most of sections of land by Saskatchewan Drive, they were called River Lots were supposed to be for the Metis peoples. Because settlers wanted more land and because of the new railroad which was going to go over the river through the low-level bridge, the Metis people were forced to sell their land at low prices. Also, because Edmonton business leaders wanted to put a railroad from Calgary through Papaschase's First Nations land, that nation's land was also taken and its people dispersed. One business leader said that Edmonton should disregard its Treaty 6 obligations and remove Indigenous peoples from the land to make room for 'better men'.
This is what they did.
The legacy of this history is revealed in the fact that many Indigenous peoples in Canada struggle with poverty and homelessness. Our past is sad and today it is our duty to learn the truth and work towards reconciliation between settlers and Indigenous peoples. Today, Papaschase is a recognized First Nation community and operates a gas station on Calgary Trail. Metis culture is also recognized through the celebration of Loren Garneau, a generous and successful Metis musician and business person who stood up for the protection and right of his people.
The next stop is a church which has partnered with The Mustard Seed to create a shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. What can you and your community do to be part of reconciliation.