Royal College recognizes Indigenous sovereignty with raising of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation flag
As an acknowledgement that the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (774 Echo Drive in Ottawa, Canada) sits on traditional unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Territory, the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation flag was raised on June 20, 2019. This flag will serve as a permanent reminder of Algonquin sovereignty.
Councillor Wendy-Anne Jocko provided remarks on behalf of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and the Bear Nation drum group performed at the ceremony.
Councillor Wendy-Anne Jocko at the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation flag raising ceremony in June 2019. The flag is visible to her left.
Chief Kirby Whiteduck granted the Royal College permission to permanently raise the flag of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. Permission to raise the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council flag was granted by Grand Chief Verna Polson. In the future, the Royal College will have the honour of raising the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council flag.
The Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council flag represents seven Algonquin communities. Together with the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation flag, eight Algonquin First Nation communities will be represented:
- Kitigan Zibi,
- Lac Simon,
- Abitibiwinni,
- Long Point (Winneway),
- Eagle Village (Kebaowek),
- Kitcisakik,
- Wahgoshig, and
- Algonquins of Pikwakanagan.
The Bear Nation drum group from Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation performs at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Ottawa during the flag raising ceremony
