The municipality is looking to educate residents through a proposed Indigenous Summit.
On Tuesday, Wood Buffalo council approved a motion that would investigate the feasibility of bringing an Indigenous Summit to Fort McMurray in the near future.
During November budget meetings, Mayor Don Scott proposed the RMWB host a summit with all Indigenous leaders in the region.
He tells Mix News there’s so much Indigenous history in the region that needs to be acknowledged.
“I took the Indigenous training this week,” Scott said. “It’s something I’d encourage every business and every government employee to do. There’s a rich cultural tradition in this region. We want a strong relationship with all our Metis and First Nations, and I look forward to building on that.”
Indigenous summits provide an opportunity for First Nations and Metis organization, elected officials and senior staff in local government to find common ground.
Scott notes there’s always room for more awareness and education and he feels a summit is one way to do that.
“We can all use more education and learning and that’s something I’ve experienced, and I’d encourage everyone else to. But let’s make sure we’re working to improve relationships. That’s really what this is all about.”
Scott says the next steps will include consultation to see how local Indigenous and Metis groups feel about the idea.