Portage College has been presented with a commemorative Indigenous feather, symbolizing the regional college’s partnership and collaboration with Lac La Biche County and Indigenous communities. The presentation was made to Portage College President and CEO Nancy Broadbent, one of several local dignitaries attending a ceremonial flag-raising of the Treaty 6 flag alongside the Métis flag and the flag of the Metis Settlements General Council.

The event took place June 17 and included a pipe ceremony, presentations by Elders, representatives from the municipality and officials from First Nations and Métis settlements and organizations from across the province, and traditional dancers. The three flags join the Canada, Alberta and Lac La Biche County flags now flying in McArthur Park. The flags surround a traditional tipi that was also erected for the event.

Broadbent was honoured to receive the gift of the feather on behalf of the College and appreciates the presentation.

“I was so blessed to be invited to join the pipe ceremony and bring greetings to all those who attended,” she said. “The ceremony was so heart felt, respecting First Nations and Métis people and marking the responsibilities noted in Treaty 6 and the need to recognize the Métis people who built prosperity on these lands.”

The feather will be proudly displayed in the college. 

“It will forever commemorate the day that many people gathered to acknowledge the First Nation and Métis People and to commit to sharing and working together for the betterment of us all,” Broadbent said.

Portage College President and CEO Nancy Broadbent at the recent Flag Raising ceremony where the College was presented with a commemorative feather by Lac La Biche County.

Lac La Biche County officials say the raising of the Treaty 6 flag and the two distinct Métis flags affirms the municipality’s commitment to the Indigenous peoples of the land.

“(The flags) are a visible sign of our ongoing commitment to truth, learning, listening and collaborating to build strong and mutually respectful relationship,” said Lac La Biche County’s Legislative Services Coordinator Danielle Patenaude, whose municipal portfolio also includes Indigenous relations and reconcili-action.

The flag raising and feather presentations were part of several events held in the community during the month of June to mark National Indigenous History Month in Canada.