Vandals destroyed a Tsuu T’ina flag that had been flying at Redwood Meadows for less than three months on Dec. 30 angering the townsite’s mayor.

It was lowered from the pole in front of Redwood House — where the townsite’s municipal operations are based — then shredded and dumped in front of Mayor John Welsh’s home in the early morning hours.

Cochrane RCMP is investigating.

Welsh said in an interview Dec. 31 residents of Redwood Meadows are “exceptionally angry” about the mistreatment of the flag.

Redwood Meadows is a community of 350 homes located on Tsuu T’ina land just north of Bragg Creek.

Welsh said the investigation has led to suspects in the incident.

“Persons of interest have been identified. They are not residents of Redwood Meadows or residents of Tsuu T’ina,” Welsh said.

A new flag will be put up shortly and the area will be monitored by a video camera, Welsh said.

The townsite is offering a $500 reward for information leading to prosecution. Anyone with information can call 403-949-3563. Information received will be kept confidential.

The flag was raised in a ceremony Oct. 14 emceed by Tsuu T’ina cultural advisor Hal Eagletail.

Police are looking into a possible connection between the destruction of the flag and intentional plugging of the sewage line from Redwood Meadows in July 2012. Human waste was diverted into the forest near the Elbow River, which supplies part of Calgary’s drinking water.

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