The Town of Devon has many new initiatives that aim to strengthen our relationship with Indigenous Peoples across the land.
In early 2020, Devon Council approved the 2020 Indigenous Engagement Action Plan which outlines the goals our administration strives to complete within the year.
Consultation is an important part of building relations with Indigenous Peoples. The Town is committed to working alongside Treaty Six Nations on the development of Town-owned undeveloped lands to ensure that medicinal plants, traditional land use sites and the environment are protected and preserved for future generations. This consultation process aligns with our communities commitment to sustainable development and strengthened relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town was able to take part in many in-person and virtual programs to build relationships with Indigenous Peoples and teach residents more about Indigenous culture.
See the full presentation that was shared with Devon Council on Jan. 11, 2021 here.
In July and August 2020, the Town of Devon organized site visits with Samson, Ermineskin, Louis Bull and Enoch Cree Nations. Environmental monitors, Elders and youth from these communities were invited to participate in a site visit of the new ball diamond lands west of highway 60.
Land use and development plans were shared with these Nations (including Montana Nation) which allowed for them to assess the area incase of any traditional use areas that may have been present at the site. Following this process allows for the Town and Nations to work together to mitigate any impacts there might be to wildlife, harvesting sites, medicines, wetlands or traditional or cultural use areas.
Read the press release here