Amanda Mombourquette; CIGO file photo
The warden of Richmond Co. says there’s desire on both sides for a closer relationship with a First Nation community within the municipality.
Amanda Mombourquette says she’s had discussions with Potlotek Chief Wilbert Marshall.
After June’s regular municipal council meeting Monday, Mombourquette told The Hawk they want members of both the municipal and band councils to work closer.
“I think this is the right time to be starting those conversations,” she said. “On the upside, I would say I’m very excited to build that relationship, because it’s long overdue.”
Mombourquette said their conversation came in the aftermath of the discovery of mass burial sites at former residential schools in Saskatchewan and B.C.
She said it’s a difficult, emotional time for band members- and Indigenous people right across the country.
“He talked about the importance of wearing orange on Canada Day to recognize what happened,” she said. “Really, he wanted to get back to his band council first.”
Mombourquette said any municipally-led Canada Day activities were already cancelled due to COVID-19.
