It is Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month this November, an opportunity for everyone to continue the important conversation about Truth and Reconciliation, and to learn more about the importance of Indigenous heritage and history. Throughout the month, we also commemorate Indigenous leaders and heritage from the past and increase awareness of Indigenous voices today through events, education and discussions.

I would like to highlight our current Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary May Simon who is an example of today’s Indigenous Leadership and voice of the future. Mary May Simon was sworn in on July 26, 2021, as Canada’s first Indigenous governor general, and the 30^th governor general since Confederation. She gained national and international recognition for her work on Arctic and Indigenous issues and for her efforts in advocating for Inuit rights, youth, education and culture.

There are many dates of significance throughout November that I encourage you to explore and learn more about, including:

Treaties Recognition Week – November 1 to 5:
This week honours the importance of treaties, treaty rights, treaty obligations and the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. By understanding and recognizing treaties, we help to build a future centered on a mutual commitment towards Reconciliation, respect and equity. 

National Indigenous Veterans Day – November 8:
National Indigenous Veterans Day honours the approximately 12,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples who served in the World Wars, the Korean War and later conflicts. National Indigenous Veterans Day also recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ military contributions within Canada and acknowledges that veteran rights and benefits were unevenly distributed to Indigenous survivors.

Louis Riel Day – November 16:
Louis Riel Day honours Louis Riel’s success in negotiating Manitoba into Confederation and the protection of minority language rights. This laid the foundation for a vision of Canada that included both the Métis Nation and protected Métis rights.

I encourage everyone to find ways to learn more about Indigenous Peoples in Halton, Ontario and across Canada. There are many ways to do this, such as:
 

• reading books from Indigenous authors, including:
  • The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King;
  • Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese;
  • 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph;
  • Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Métis and Inuit Issues in Canada by Chelsea Vowel; and
  • Stolen Continents by Ronald White;
• exploring blogs and online resources, such as:
  • Bob Joseph's Blog - Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.;
  • Âpihtawikosisân;
  • Reconciliation Canada;
  • Tea & Bannock; and
  • Beyond 94: Truth and Reconciliation in Canada;
• reviewing resources such as the Archives of Ontario James Bay Treaty virtual exhibit and videos of Indigenous speakers sharing their knowledge about the importance of treaties, treaty relationships and rights in Ontario. You can also learn more about Ontario treaties and reserves; and
• reading the stories of Indigenous Veterans like Francis Pegahmagabow, Tommy Prince, Noel Knockwood and Edith (Anderson) Monture.

For more information about Halton’s ongoing work to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous People and Communities, please visit halton.ca.

By recognizing this important month, we continue the discussion about Truth and Reconciliation and honour all Indigenous Peoples and their contributions that make Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.