Monday, June 21 is recognized nationally and proclaimed in Red Deer by Mayor Tara Veer as National Indigenous Peoples Day. On this day, Council received an update on the process of bringing the vision of Asooahum Crossing to life, and unanimously voted to partner with Red Deer Native Friendship Society (RDNFS) on phase two to continue to bring the culturally significant project to life.
At the beginning of the regular Council meeting on Monday, Council was joined by members of Red Deer Native Friendship Society (RDNFS), who conducted a ceremonial smudge and prayer to open the event, followed by a presentation on behalf of the Joint Steering Committee. Since 2012, The City and RDNFS have been working together through this committee to create a safe, accessible, affordable and culturally supported housing option, as well as a sweat lodge and garden for our Indigenous community at Asooahum Crossing.
Asooahum Crossing is located within the Waskasoo Park Trail System, and provides a natural area, close proximity to a body of water, access to services and opportunity to co-locate cultural activities and housing.
In the spirit of honouring a committee agreement from 2016, Council approved a transfer of $590,000 to fully implement the final stage of the agreement. The Joint Steering Committee unanimously recommends this transfer. Council also approved a $140,000 partnership capital grant to leverage federal and provincial funding for phase two of the project.
“This project has been an important part of our local journey of Truth and Reconciliation. Today marks a new milestone, with a partnership agreement created to help facilitate phase two of the cultural vision of Asooahum Crossing,” said Mayor Tara Veer. “We are proud to have been able to work alongside Red Deer Native Friendship Society over the past decade to ensure the continued success of the site. While there is more to be accomplished, we are committed to continue to work together toward the vision through our continued relationship and formal partnership with Red Deer Native Friendship Society.”
“In the spirit of reconciliation, I look forward to a long-lasting partnership with the City of Red Deer as we move forward in phase two of Asooahum Crossing.” Said Elder John Sinclair, Red Deer Native Friendship Society.
For more information on the continued partnership, please reference the attached FAQ (pdf) .
For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communciations
The City of Red Deer
Red Deer Native Friendship Society