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Indigenous land acknowledgements — once symbolic openings of most government events under the NDP — are now a matter of “personal preference” at UCP official events according to Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson.

Land acknowledgments are statements recognizing the historic and ongoing presence and connection of different First Nations and Métis to the land. The statements also acknowledge treaties between First Nations and the Crown. Alberta is located on Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8 territory.

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Wilson, who represents Maskwacîs-Wetaskiwin, says that he still does land acknowledgements at his events but has not heard personally any issues with other UCP officials not doing them.

“We’re kind of leaving it up to everybody on their own accord, it depends on the situation,” said Wilson from the legislature on Monday.

Former NDP Minister of Indigenous Relations Richard Feehan, who continues to represent Edmonton-Rutherford, has heard concerns from Indigenous peoples that this change in practice signals a lack of understanding of the important relationship between Indigenous peoples and their homelands among UCP MLAs.