Jasper’s mayor and six councillors were officially sworn in on Friday, October 24 at the Lobstick Lodge’s Skyline Lounge.

The ceremony included a formal program and an oath made by each council member. Alberta Justice Vaughn Myers presided over the oaths and affirmations.

The ceremony included an opportunity for councillors to participate in a smudging ceremony, led by Stoney elder Barry Wesley and his son, Daystar Smallboy. Smudging is described as a spiritual cleanse, a chance to help remove negative feelings and thoughts and purify oneself, in this case before councillors took the oath of public office.

As part of their oath, councillors affirmed their commitment to Act with Integrity; Treat others with respect; Serve the best interests of the Community as a whole; and Uphold the trust placed in them as a representative of the Municipality of Jasper.

Stony elder and knowledge keeper, Barry Wesley, helped officiate the swearing in ceremony. He presented an eagle feather to each councillor, describing the feather as representing the importance of truth, honesty, and humility.

The ceremony concluded with Mayor Richard Ireland thanking outgoing councillors Scott Wilson and Rico Damota for their service. Wilson served two terms (eight years) while Damota had been on council since 2007 (18 years!).

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com