In November, CLBC’s Cranbrook office held a meaningful land acknowledgement ceremony to honour the Ktunaxa Peoples, the original custodians of the land and waters where the organization’s office resides.
This event recognized the unceded traditional and ancestral territory of the Ktunaxa Peoples past and present. It also reaffirmed CLBC’s commitment to truth, reconciliation, and relationship-building with Indigenous communities.
The ceremony provided a call to action to integrate Indigenous perspectives into CLBC’s workplaces and create culturally safe, inclusive spaces. This aligns with CLBC’s mandate to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.
Elder Marty, Artist Carol Louie and Indigenous Relations Practice and Service Advisor, Brenda Duggan pose with the artwork after its unveiling, highlighting the collaboration and cultural meaning behind the piece.
The event welcomed 19 attendees including Elder Marty Williams; Ktunaxa Artist Carol Louie and her sister-in-law Denise; CLBC Vice President of Quality Services and Indigenous Relations Joanne Mills; Councillors Mike Peabody, Wayne Stetsky, Lynnette Wray of the City of Cranbrook; Service Area Manager Lennan Delaney; and several CLBC staff members.
Elder Williams led participants in prayer to open the ceremony. He shared teachings about his family’s history on the land and spoke candidly about the impacts of colonization and Residential Schools.
Carol Louie unveiled her artwork. She shared the story behind her creative process and how this opportunity uplifted her spirit.
Acknowledging Indigenous territories is a vital step toward reconciliation. The act reflects CLBC’s guiding principles through displaying Indigenous artwork, signage, and land acknowledgements. These practices enhance cultural safety and inclusivity for all who access CLBC spaces.
Guests listen attentively as Joanne Mills, VP shares some history around the formation of the Indigenous Relations team and the vision behind Honoring protocol and place celebration, with the beautifully designed Indigenous Advisory Committee Blanket at the center of reflection and teaching, emphasizing the importance of truth and reconciliation in community spaces.
This ceremony marks the eighth of many planned land acknowledgements led by CLBC’s Indigenous Relations team. These ceremonies take place in collaboration with the Indigenous Advisory Committee, Elders Council, and local Indigenous representatives.
The unveiling of the artwork takes place, marking a key moment in the ceremony and celebrating Indigenous artistry.
