Welcome to Our Land
Like most places around the world, this land we live on has many names. The name the Nệhiyawak People give it, Amiskwaciy-wâskahikan (ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᕀ ᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ, Beaver Hills House), is shared widely. Most of us know this land as Edmonton, the name given to it by its European Peoples. This land is also often referred to by the name Treaty 6 Territory, a reference to the agreement the Indigenous Nations of this land made with the Government of Canada.
This land is a welcoming place. Welcome to all of you who are new to us and allow me to introduce you to some of the precious parts of our land and life. We live on land nurtured by a great river, the North Saskatchewan, born in the glaciers of the Rocky Mountains. One of the greatest experiences you can have here is to watch, and listen, as the ice breaks when Winter turns to Spring. If you take the time to watch the sun rise or set over our river you will be shown something truly spectacular. Our skies are clear and wide, and our Northern latitude offers us long and luxurious displays at sunrise and sunset. We are also blessed with the Northern Lights. There is nothing more breathtaking than the sky dancing above you, reflected on the waters of our lakes beside you. Until you have seen the way our sky is painted in colour by the Northern Lights, I don’t believe you can fully understand the love we have for this place.
The animals and plants of our land also welcome you. Along our river valley you will find many trees and small wildlife, as well as the mushrooms and flowers which call this place home. If you are intrigued, you can also visit our bird sanctuaries, nature preserves, and botanical gardens. Our farmers host visitors during Alberta Farm Days. For a few days in the Autumn, many farms open their doors to us so we can meet the people, the land, and the animals that feed us. It is an opportunity I hope you can make time for.
We have many places where you can see and hear the stories of our land. ÎNÎW Indigenous Art Park (ᐄᓃᐤ), the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, Fort Edmonton Park, and the Royal Alberta Museum are a few of the places where our stories are shared. I invite you to visit and speak with the people who care for these places in order to learn more about the history of our land.
The people who are drawn here are precious to our land. We love to celebrate and dance together. There are many events where you would be welcome to join and introduce yourself to us. The Ben Calf Robe Powwow, the Cariwest Festival, the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, and the Heritage Days Festival are a few of our most inviting gatherings. We would feel grateful if you felt comfortable in sharing your celebrations and traditions with us, as so many have before.
So, welcome to this beautiful and exciting place. I believe that your story is meant to add to the abundance of our home. I thank you for bringing yourself, your stories, and your vision to us.
