After years of dialogue the city of Nelson has adopted a policy regarding the formal acknowledgement of indigenous peoples.
The city says it’s about recognition and respect.
Councillor Anna Purcell says many people might be surprised to know almost 600 people in and around Nelson identify as being aboriginal or indigenous.
At future official meetings or events the city will use the following statement –
The city of Nelson acknowledges all aboriginal peoples on whose traditional territories we stand. We honour their connection to the land and rivers and respect the importance of the environment to our strength as a community.