Halton Region Council Approves Actions to Support Meaningful Indigenous Relationships, Demonstrates Commitment to Reconciliation
*Please see below a news release issued by the Region of Halton.
The Regional Municipality of HaltonFor Immediate ReleaseJune 16, 2021On June 16, 2021, Regional Council approved several actions as part of the Indigenous Relationship Building Initiative to build and foster reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Peoples.While there are no specific First Nation Communities located within the boundaries of Halton Region, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation were the original owners of the territory in which Halton Region sits and still have Treaty lands in Halton.
"Endorsing this initiative to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples based on cultural understanding, empathy and respect is an essential part of Halton’s responsibility for reconciliation and commemoration. Indigenous Peoples have been connected to these lands for generations and have helped build the foundation of our communities that we enjoy today. These actions are a step in the right direction, but we know that more work still needs to be done and I look forward to continuing these efforts together." -- Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr
To support the Indigenous Relationship Building Initiative, Regional Council endorsed:
- the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report and Calls to Action;
- the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP);
- an Indigenous Land Acknowledgement and its uses;
- permanently flying the flag of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation at Halton Regional Centre; and
- a working partnership with Indigenous Peoples and local First Nations, Métis and Inuit People to establish a Halton Indigenous Advisory Group, modelled after the Halton COVID-19 Indigenous Elder Advisory Group.
A copy of the report will be shared with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River, Credit River Métis Council, Grand River Métis Council and Tungasuvvingat Inuit.
"I appreciate and respect the relationship that has been developed between the Halton Region and the Mississaugas of the Credit. I look forward to working together to address the crises that is before us. The loss of our children is a pain felt by all Canadians. This is the moment to stand together. Let this tragedy be a light that guides us to a better path. We will never forget. I don't have to know you to love you!" -- Chief R. Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
In addition to the items approved on June 16, as part of Halton’s responsibility to move forward with truth and reconciliation, the Region has started building relationships with Indigenous Communities and Leadership.Halton’s Indigenous Advisor, Eddy Robinson, has assisted in establishing and building these relationships while also developing an Indigenous Relations Initiative for the organization. His experience and emphasis on the importance of engaging Indigenous People in a respectful and reciprocal way is a critical step forward in Halton’s path of reconciliation and in building an inclusive culture.This year, Halton has also hired its first Indigenous relations summer student and staff are in the process of hiring an Indigenous relations intern.To learn more about Halton’s Indigenous Relations Initiative, visit halton.caLand Acknowledgement for the Region of Halton:Boozhoo, She:kon , Tanshi, Greetings!Halton Region acknowledges the Treaty Lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, as well as the Traditional Territory of the Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat, on which we gather.In stewardship with Mother Earth and the enduring Indigenous presence connected to these lands, we acknowledge the Indigenous Nations of the past, present and future.In the spirit of ally-ship and mutual respect, we will take the path of Truth and Reconciliation to create change, awareness and equity as we strive to elevate the collective consciousness of society.Miigwetch, Nia:wen, MarsiMAYOR MEED WARD'S TAKE:It was very moving to hear from Chief Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Halton’s Indigenous Advisor Eddy Robinson at our Regional Council meeting yesterday. I will be undertaking how we can fly the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation flag at Burlington City Hall permanently. We have a long journey ahead of us still, but the resolution we unanimously approved at Regional Council is another important step towards true reconciliation.RELATED LINKS:
- Halton Region Council Staff Report_CA-07-21
- Burlington Council Unanimously Passes Resolution Calling on Government Canada to Proclaim a National Day of Mourning for Victims of Residential Schools
- Land Acknowledgement for the City of Burlington
- Taking Action on Reconciliation with the Indigenous Community
- Statement from Burlington Mayor Meed Ward on Kamloops Residential School
--*Posted by John Bkila, Mayor's Media and Digital Communications Specialist