New Signage Proposal For Merritt Entrances

Travelers coming into the City of Merritt may soon be greeted in both English and First Nations languages.

Calling it a dream she has had for years, Mary Angus made a presentation to Merritt City Council last week with hopes to have signage erected at all arteries leading into the city bearing a First Nation greeting.

Angus said that this signage venture would be beneficial for community pride and now is the time to proceed.

“I think it’s time, now as First Nations people we have your attention,” Angus told City Council. “I believe it (the signage) will bring Merritt pride as well as pride from the surrounding areas as you welcome visitors to the City.”

The signs Angus would like to see erected would have “cheh ewh oomeentee met tes ‘Tlhekp nh tmixoo kt”  (WE ARE HAPPY YOU HAVE ARRIVED IN OUR TERRITORY)  on one side and “Wheegh kt cheh ewh oo h pent ooc oox ” (WE WOULD BE HAPPY WHEN YOU RETURN)  on the opposite side.

Angus would also like to see the city to have Spirit Animal wood carvings at every entrance to City as cities such as Kelowna and Kamloops.

“This is something that I have wanted to see in my community since I was in school,” Angus explained. “Some called it a pipe dream but I am hoping that city council and the leadership of the community will see how much it would mean to everyone.”

Following the presentation Mayor Linda Brown said she thought it was a excellent presentation and would compliment the City’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

Brown added that council would take the recommendations to a meeting with the Chiefs of the surrounding bands when the two sides meet in late June.

Roger.White@pattisonmedia.com