NAIT honours and recognizes Treaty 6

Following a recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada to acknowledge aboriginal heritage, NAIT now honours Treaty 6 at major events such as convocation. When president and CEO Dr. Glenn Feltham addresses graduates and guests at the 2016 ceremonies, his opening remarks will include: "We honour and acknowledge this is traditional Treaty 6 territory and an important trading centre for the Métis Nation."

The treaty was signed in 1876 and includes agreements about culture, land and more in an area that covers much of central Alberta, including Edmonton. NAIT's aboriginal liaison coordinator Derek Thunder wrote the acknowledgment with help from the local aboriginal community and campus elders.

"This recognition is very important - it is helping to create a better understanding of one another," says elder Walter Bonaise, whose great-grandfather, Chief Poundmaker, signed Treaty 6.

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