By Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

Blackfoot Confederacy flag flying above City Hall

Sep 25, 2017 | 1:12 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Chief Roy Fox says people are starting to understand the thriving nations that existed here, long before the Europeans arrived.

Fox, Chief of the Blood Tribe, or Kainai nation, was one of the representatives of the four Blackfoot nations who took part in the raising of the Blackfoot Confederacy flag above Lehtbridge City Hall Monday, Sept. 25.

“Hopefully we will come together and develop a relationship in a better way, in a more positive way,” Fox said following the ceremony. “Because too long I think there has been a misunderstanding, not just people in Lethbridge but the First Nations people in our territories.”

The confederacy consists of the Kainai, Siksika, Apa’tosee Piikani, and the southern Amskapi Piikani from Montana. Their traditional territory covers not only two-thirds of Alberta, but parts of Saskatchewan, the Dakotas, Montana, and Wyoming. Fox explained there are some very sacred places within Lethbridge, and nearby.

Chief Joseph Weaselchild of the Siksika Nation recounted some of the history of the area, and noted the Siksika emblem, included on the flag, overlays a war club with a peace pipe, anticipating a new relationship.

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“Now I can finally see that new relationship happening,” he said. “Because as Blackfoot Confederacy, we still have a lot to offer to this country. Our fathers fought and died for this country in the Great Wars. Now the strength of the Blackfoot Confederacy is our people and our land.”

Fox said it’s time to build on the gesture and share information to lead to an improved relationship.