On 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,” 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.”
To support the Indigenous Relationship Building Initiative, Regional Council endorsed:
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,” 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!”
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.ca.
The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 595,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; paramedic services; waste management; public health; social assistance; children’s and seniors’ services; housing services; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, call 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at halton.ca.