INTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDEN & TURTLE MOUNTAIN BAND OF CHIPPEWA ANNOUNCE HISTORIC EVENT
Make Plans to Host Tribal Flag Raising in Sign of Friendship & Cooperation
The International Peace Garden (IPG) and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI), together announce a tribal flag raising for July 27, 2019 at the International Peace Garden.
Turtle Mountain Tribal Chairman, Jamie Azure remarked, “This will be a momentous event in our tribal nation’s history as we proudly raise and display our flag at the International Peace Garden.” Azure continued, “As our flag flies along an international border and within the land of our ancestors, it is a show of respect, sovereignty, partnership and the strength of all Nations.”
The realization of this flag raising ceremony is thanks to more than a year of discussions among TMBCI & IPG leadership to build new relationships and opportunities for collaboration to create a space where all are welcome. The event will include a formal ceremony with remarks from tribal leadership and dignitaries, traditional prayers and blessing of the grounds, concluding with a presentation of the colors and tribal flag by the Turtle Mountain American Legion Post 262.
After the formal flag ceremony, all attendees are welcome to attend a lunch followed by cultural demonstrations, traditional storytelling and a historical photo display. In addition to the flag raising, one of the most significant events will be the unveiling of a peace quote from Chief Red Thunder. It is significant to note that this will be the first quote from a First Nations member featured in the Peace Chapel and the first quote added since it was built in 1970.
Tim Chapman, CEO of the IPG commented, “The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa share a rich history in the Peace Garden with many tribal members participating in the building of the garden.” Chapman continued, “It also should not be overlooked that the Turtle Mountains have always been home to the Ojibwa & Métis people who settled here long before there was a Peace Garden. We are humbled by this opportunity to welcome not only the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa community, but all First Nations as we live our mission of peace, friendship and cooperation.”
The July 27, event is expected to draw several hundred attendees from the region including tribal elders and youth and is slated to begin at 10 am.
Azure closed by saying, “We are proud to reclaim the Turtle Mountains as a place of leadership that will not be divided by borders and allows our drums to be heard across nations as we welcome everyone.”
For more information or details about the event you can visit the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians or International Peace Garden on Facebook.