We respectfully acknowledge that our community is within the traditional and modern-day territories of kiskayôs and maskêkosihk Nations and within the homeland of the Métis.
The Town of Devon began its journey down the path of reconciliation and relationship building with Indigenous Peoples in 2019.
Through the guidance of the TRC 94 Calls to Action, the Spirit and Intent of Treaty No. Six and regular engagement with Treaty Six Nations and the Metis Nation, we have continued to strengthen our relationship with Indigenous Peoples and work toward a better future together!
The Town of Devon is committed to working together with all Indigenous Peoples of Treaty Six territory and Treaty people throughout the land. We commit to genuine and meaningful engagement as well as the implementation of cultural awareness training and learning opportunities for staff, council, and residents of the Town. We recognize that reconciliation cannot happen without action, which is why we will begin to recognize and implement applicable TRC Calls to Action within the community and within our municipal governance structure.
We will continue to work with all Indigenous communities, Elders and leaders within Treaty Six territory and beyond to ensure that our engagement is transparent, inclusive, genuine, and collaborative. We recognize the rights of Indigenous Peoples of Treaty Six and the inherent rights of all Indigenous Peoples. Through collaboration and meaningful relationships, we solemnly commit to working with Indigenous Peoples to help build a safer, sustainable and inclusive community for the future.
In the spirit of Treaty and true reconciliation, the Town of Devon is implementing various initiatives surrounding Indigenous Engagement, cultural awareness, and learning opportunities for all municipal leadership, town staff and residents.
Reconciliation and relationship-building doesn’t happen overnight, and only by creating long term objectives and practicing genuine intent can the town move forward in developing long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous Nations and peoples of Treaty Six and other territories.
We have begun the relationship building process with many Nations of Treaty Six territory and will continue to do so with the spirit and intent of Treaty.
Devon is also beginning to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action.
Learn more about how Devon is renewing the Treaty Six relationship here
The Town of Devon acknowledges the land we are on, Treaty Six territory and the homeland of the Métis, which encompasses the traditional lands of the Cree (nehiyawak), Blackfoot (niitsitapi), Nakota (isga), Anishinaabe (anishinaabeg), and Métis (michif) Peoples, who are the legal caretakers and protectors of the lands and waters, and who have been here since time immemorial.
We acknowledge that Devon is within the traditional lands and territories of kiskayôs (Bobtail) and maskêkosihk (Enoch Cree) First Nations. We shall continue to uphold our Treaty responsibilities to all Peoples of Treaty Six and continue to work with all Indigenous Peoples towards a better future together.
All Town of Devon citizens are residents within Treaty Six territory and the current townsite sits within the traditional territories of maskêkosihk (Enoch Cree Nation) and kiskayos (Bobtail) First Nations, with the area having been used by many other Nations and Indigenous peoples prior to Treaty and prior to the establishment of Devon.
The Town of Devon will continue to uphold the Truth and Reconciliation commission of Canada Calls to Action and will strive towards developing and maintaining genuine relationships and collaboration between First Nations and Métis people and communities of Treaty Six territory all while acknowledging and upholding Treaty rights, the Duty to consult, and genuine reconciliation.
The Town of Devon has outlined four key areas of focus within the Indigenous Engagement Initiative which includes:
Education and Awareness
Education is the foundation of the work we do. Only through educational and experiential opportunities can change take place within our community. All cultural based initiatives in Devon are educational opportunities for residents to learn and grow.
Engagement/Consultation
Thorough and respectful engagement with Indigenous Nations and Elders are the core of our work. Devon ensures Indigenous voices are at the table, and decisions are made together for mutual benefit.
Partnership/Collaboration
Every cultural based initiative is done hand-in-hand with Indigenous Peoples, from start to finish. Devon works closely with the MNA and Treaty Six Nations through partnership on events, policies and guidance on decision making.
Communication
Regular and open communication with residents and Indigenous Nations allows for us to identify community needs and sustain our relationships with Indigenous Peoples.