The Unity in Action Committee asked Kapuskasing Town Council Monday night to create an indigenous committee. Member Roseane Parent made a presentation to council asking that there would be representation not only from council and the town but elders, indigenous organization representatives and members of the community.
“So we can develop things like our cultural grounds, and we can move in an indigenous agenda forward in the community and meet the truth and reconciliation call to actions,” she said.
Parent says the cultural grounds are important for the indigenous community.
“Where maybe we can have a little cabin, teepees, and hold sacred fires,” she said. “It’s important when we do have the evacuees that they still feel a piece of home and this is our way of saying yes you are welcome.”
Councillor Bruce Newton says the evacuees staying in hotels isn’t enough and there needs to be more for them to do for their mental and physical well-being. Prior to the meeting, councillors and the Unity in Action committee gathered across the street from the Civic Centre for a drumming ceremony by the drum group Aphano.
