Ottawa, ON – July 14, 2026 – The Rogers Centre Ottawa today proudly raised the flags of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council in a ceremonial event recognizing the enduring presence, rights, and culture of the Algonquin people whose unceded territory the facility stands.
The ceremony brought together community members from both Nations, and representatives from the Rogers Centre Ottawa in a moment of reflection and commitment to reconciliation.
Located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg people, Rogers Centre Ottawa is acknowledging its responsibility to foster meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and to ensure their visibility and recognition within the nation’s capital.
The flag raising is part of a broader effort to support reconciliation and aligns with actions taken by the City of Ottawa, which in 2018 raised the flags of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council at City Hall on National Indigenous Peoples Day. That milestone recognized the Algonquin people as the original stewards of the land and affirmed their ongoing connection to the region.
The flags flying in front of the Rogers Centre Ottawa, on the edge of the Rideau Canal, demonstrate the historic and contemporary presence of the Algonquin Anishinabeg people and the importance of visibility, education, and respect within public spaces. It also displays the nation-to-nation relationships between Indigenous communities and institutions.
Rogers Centre Ottawa will continue to work with Indigenous partners to identify opportunities for collaboration, education, and inclusive representation throughout its operations.
Quotes
“Today’s flag raising is an important step in recognizing the Algonquin Anishinabeg people as the original caretakers of this land. We are proud to honour their history, culture, and continued contributions, and we remain committed to building meaningful relationships rooted in respect and reconciliation.”
Lesley Pincombe
President & CEO
Rogers Centre Ottawa
“The raising of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council flags is a powerful symbol of recognition, respect, and the enduring presence of our people in our traditional territory. It is an opportunity to celebrate our history, honour our ancestors, and recognize the strength and resilience of our Nation as we continue to build a brighter future for generations to come. We look forward to and are proud to be the host nation for this edition of the Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa.”
Chief Greg Sarazin
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation
“The raising of our flags at Rogers Centre Ottawa is a meaningful act of recognition toward the Algonquin Anishinabe people, on whose unceded traditional territory this institution stands. It serves as a reminder of our enduring presence, our history, and our responsibility to these lands. While a flag is, above all, a symbol, symbols do matter. They reflect a willingness to acknowledge the truth of our shared history and to open the door to more respectful relationships. However, true reconciliation must go beyond symbolic gestures. It must be grounded in ongoing dialogue, sincere listening, and concrete actions that contribute to meaningful, restorative, and lasting reconciliation. We thank Rogers Centre Ottawa for this initiative and look forward to continuing the dialogue as we work together to build a future based on respect, collaboration, and nation-to-nation relationships for generations to come.”
Grand Chief Verna Polson
Algonquin Anishinabe Nation Tribal Council
About the Rogers Centre Ottawa
The Rogers Centre Ottawa — Canada’s Meeting Place — is an internationally renowned convention centre located on the Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa, Canada’s capital. With bold, modern design, a naturally lit interior, and magnificent views, the Rogers Centre offers an unparalleled and environmentally responsible setting for conventions, conferences, meetings and exhibits of any size. Since opening in 2011, the Centre has hosted thousands of events, generating millions of dollars of economic impact for the city of Ottawa and the province of Ontario.
The Ottawa Convention Centre Corporation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For more information, visit rogers-centreottawa.ca.
Contacts
Josh Verch
Director, Marketing & Partnerships
Rogers Centre Ottawa
613.294.1528
jverch@rogers-centreottawa.ca
Kyle Robinson
Communications and Public Relations
Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation
Communications@pikwakanagan.ca
Peggie Jérôme
Consultation Manager
Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council
Consultation@aantc-ctnaa.net
