Aboriginal Day, June 21, was historic for the City of Salmon Arm and our aboriginal neighbours.
In front of our city hall, we raised the Secwepemc Flag (pronounced Se-KWEP-umk-wh) alongside our Salmon Arm flag.
The Secwepemc flag will remain flying at city hall as a symbol of our recognition, respect and the importance of aboriginal history in the Shuswap area.
The Secwepemc flag represents the 17 bands of the Secwepemc Nations. The four bands closest to us are the Adams Lake Indian Band, the Neskonlith Indian Band, the Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band and the Splatsin all having their lands either within, bordering on, or in close proximity to the City of Salmon Arm. Indeed, Salmon Arm is located within Secwepemc traditional territory.
The decision to raise this flag did not happen all of a sudden or overnight. It is a significant step toward recognition of our aboriginal neighbours and the building of the relationship between the City of Salmon Arm, the First Nations people and the residents of Salmon Arm. The raising of the Secwepemc flag is an important step along the path of moving forward together and gives us all a renewed appreciation of our First Nations culture.
The raising of the Secwepemc flag recognizes the importance of working together, building relationships and working toward common goals. The raising of the Secwepemc flag does not mean everything will always go smoothly as there is still much work to be done in building this important relationship. We look forward to working with the First Nations as we develop understandings on processes and communications that will help us all in the future.
I wish to thank Chief Judy Wilson, Gina Johnny and all those who took part in the Flag Raising Ceremony as well as all of you who came out and enjoyed this special day.
– Mayor Nancy Cooper