The Morton Historical MultiCultural Centre spoke to council about hosting a traditional indigenous sweat lodge in Clive, possibly next spring. ECA Review/Submitted
The Village of Clive approved a resident’s plan to hold an indigenous sweat lodge in 2022, including signing an agreement to accommodate it.
The decision was made at the Dec. 13 regular meeting of council.
Village Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Carla Kenney reported to the ECA Review in a Dec. 16 interview that a delegation from the Morton Historical MultiCultural Centre spoke to council about hosting a traditional indigenous sweat lodge in Clive, possibly next spring.
The centre was represented by L. Hermary and M. Hermary, and were joined a bit later in the meeting by R.J.A. Willert, who provided councillors with more information on the procedures of a sweat lodge.
According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, “Sweat lodges are heated dome-shaped structures used by Indigenous peoples during certain purification rites and as a way to promote healthy living.
Most importantly, the sweat lodge is a sacred place, likened to the womb of Mother Earth. Sweats are therefore deeply spiritual and cultural experiences for many people.”
Kenney explained that the village is involved in this project because part of the event may be held on a piece of public land; after the delegation spoke and explained what the event will involve Kenney stated councillors were not concerned about part of the event being held on village property.
Councillors accepted the centre’s presentation as information, then later in the meeting passed a resolution authorizing the village and the centre to sign an agreement to have their sweat lodge on public property.
Interim budget
Village council approved the Interim 2022 Budget as presented, noted the CAO.
Kenney noted staff are aware fewer or smaller provincial grants seem to be looming in 2022, adding that most capital projects involve provincial grants in some fashion. Therefore, upcoming budgets were described as “lean.”
Kenney added the upcoming budget is also feeling increased policing costs which in 2022 will reach an additional $25,000.
Comments concerning
Kenney stated councillors were concerned about a letter from a resident asking for help with a relative’s utility bills as they’re experiencing financial hardship.
Although the village can’t do much to help someone in financial hardship the councillors wanted to send a reply to the resident listing the various agencies, such as FCSS, in the community that may help or redirect the resident to other agencies that could help.
Planning ahead
Kenney presented councillors with the village’s short term strategic initiatives, which included, among others, diversity initiatives, inviting community groups to council meetings, increasing knowledge of village services and fighting homelessness.
Most of the items were for staff information and don’t require any additional budgeting noted the CAO.
High speed rail
Kenney stated councillors liked the sounds of a possible passenger rail link between Edmonton and Calgary after reading an item of correspondence from Alberta Regional Rail, which included a description of a possible line running alongside Hwy. #2.
The letter stated the project can be described as “shovel ready,” employing off the shelf technology that allows a relatively quick start up.
The letter also stated a passenger rail service running up the middle of the province would alleviate traffic density on Hwy. #2.
The councillors liked the idea enough to pass a resolution that council send a letter of support for the proposal.
Stu Salkeld, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
