The five flags are prominently displayed near the Air Ronge village office. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

representation

‘This is who we are’: Air Ronge council raises flags near village office

Aug 18, 2022 | 3:14 PM

A flag raising ceremony capped off the Northern Village of Air Ronge’s annual community barbecue on Wednesday.

Flags representing Canada, Saskatchewan, Treaty Six Territory, the Métis Nation, and reconciliation were all raised on poles recently installed near the municipal office.

Métis Nation – Saskatchewan regional representative Laura Burnouf, Air Ronge Coun. Corey Hardcastle, Sam Hardlotte, RCMP Sgt. Brent Nicol, and Elder Tom Roberts were invited as special dignitaries to latch the flags to one of five poles and launch them by pulling a chain.

The total cost of the project was approximately $10,000.

“For us, it is kind of moving forward with what our vision and what our mission is with the community in general, and that’s acknowledging where we live and acknowledging our history,” Air Ronge deputy-mayor Kristy McDougall said. “Moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation, I think it is an important step. It’s representative of our community. That’s the most important part. This is who we are.”

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Roberts, who raised the Reconciliation Flag, expressed thanks to council for allowing him to do so. He said reconciliation can only begin when people admit to what happened to First Nations people for more than a century.

The flag raising was held during the annual community picnic. (Submitted photo/Kristy McDougall)

Roberts explained components of the flag represent joy and comfort, new growth, the seven sacred teachings, the circle of life, and more.

“There is a space in between the star,” he said. “That represents the gap that can be addressed through reconciliation.”

Wednesday also marked the first time in two years the village has been able to go ahead with a community barbecue due to COVID. It’s traditionally held at the marina in June and it was postponed earlier this year because of rainy weather.

McDougall noted about 400 burgers and 200 hotdogs were served, along with popsicles, cotton candy, and popcorn. The summer youth workers were also tasked with arranging various activities for kids.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno