Halton Regional Council approves actions to support Indigenous relationships
Published June 16, 2021 at 4:28 pm
At a recent meeting, Halton Regional Council approved various actions to build relationships with Indigenous Peoples, as part of the Indigenous Relationship Building Initiative.
“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,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr.
“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.”
There are no specific First Nation Communities located within the boundaries of Halton Region, however, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation were the original owners of the territory where Halton sits and still have Treaty lands in the region.
Regional Council endorsed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report and Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and an Indigenous Land Acknowledgement and its uses to support the Indigenous Relationship Building Initiative.
Additionally, council endorsed permanently flying the flag of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation at Halton Regional Centre as well as 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.
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“I appreciate and respect the relationship that has been developed between the Halton Region and the Mississaugas of the Credit,” said Chief R. Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
“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!”
The Region has also started building relationships with Indigenous Communities and Leadership to further demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation.
Eddy Robinson, Halton’s Indigenous Advisor, has helped to establish and build these relationships while also developing an Indigenous Relations Initiative for the organization.
Additionally, Halton has hired its first Indigenous relations summer student this year. Staff are also in the process of hiring an Indigenous relations intern.
For more information on Halton’s Indigenous Relations Initiative, click here.
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