On June 20, 2022, Halton Region and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) (external link) signed a Relationship Agreement, formalizing the ongoing work to build a constructive, collaborative and mutually respectful relationship. Regional Chair Gary Carr and Ogimaa R. Stacey Laforme from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation signed the Relationship Agreement at Halton Regional Centre. Representatives from the MCFN were also in attendance.
“Building meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples, Communities and First Nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation—the Treaty Holders of the territory in which Halton Region sits—is an important part of Halton’s responsibility for Truth and Reconciliation,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “By signing this Relationship Agreement, we help ensure that this work continues for years to come and that the relationship is based on cultural understanding, empathy and respect. Chimiigwetch. Thank you to Ogimaa Laforme for your continued support.”
“Our journey of friendship and respect based on our treaty relations will give us the foundation to do good for all our people,” said Ogimaa Laforme.
Halton Regional Council endorsed the Relationship Agreement at their June 15 meeting. The Relationship Agreement will help Halton Region and MCFN work towards achieving the shared objectives of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) (external link) final report and Calls to Action, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) (external link).
The Relationship Agreement will also be helpful in identifying areas of mutual concern and interest, as well as establishing and supporting shared understanding and ongoing conversations. MCFN has met numerous times with Regional staff to share their history, culture and heritage. Halton Region’s Land Acknowledgement was developed in consultation with MCFN and the MCFN flag is flying permanently at Halton Regional Centre. These important steps are helping to educate and increase cultural knowledge and understanding in the Regions’ journey of relationship building.
For more information on the Relationship Agreement (external link), Halton’s ongoing work to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous People and Communities and to watch the recording of the Relationship Agreement signing ceremony (video), please 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.