Reconciliation at Halton Region
Halton's Land Acknowledgement Statement
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, Wendat and Anishinabek 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, Marsi, Thank you
Halton Region’s commitment
In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Final Report and Calls to Action, Halton Region has taken steps to advance Reconciliation and strengthen relationships with First Nations, Indigenous Communities and Peoples. This work focuses on increasing cultural competency and understanding among Regional staff by enhancing knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives.
It also emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining respectful, reciprocal relationships with First Nations, Indigenous Communities, and Peoples.
On , Halton Regional Council endorsed the following items:
- the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report (external link) and Calls to Action (external PDF) ;
- the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (external link) (UNDRIP);
- a Land Acknowledgement Statement and its uses; and
- permanently flying the flag of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation at the Halton Regional Centre.
Relationship Agreement with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
On , Halton Region and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) signed a Relationship Agreement, formalizing the ongoing work to build a constructive, collaborative and mutually respectful relationship. The Relationship Agreement was signed at Halton Regional Centre by Regional Chair Gary Carr and Ogimaa R. Stacey Laforme from the MCFN. Elders from the MCFN were also in attendance.
Halton Regional Council endorsed the Relationship Agreement at the meeting. The Relationship Agreement supports shared efforts toward Reconciliation by advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). It provides a foundation for ongoing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and relationship building between Halton Region and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN).
Resources
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People
Halton Region has a permanent Red Dress display to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People and raise awareness of the ongoing crisis. The display was inspired by an education session with MMIWG2S+ advocate Vanessa Brousseau, who shared the story of her sister, Pamela Holopainen, a victim of MMIWG2S+, and called for organizations to create permanent reminders of the ongoing crisis.
For more information, please visit:
- MMIWG2S+ Final Report (external link) – Examines the systemic causes of violence against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people affected by the crisis.
- MMIWG2S+ Stories and Experiences (external link) – Shares personal stories and lived experiences of families, Survivors, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people affected by the crisis.
Halton Region’s permanent Red Dress Display.
September 30th
Since 2021, Halton Region has held annual Residential School commemorative ceremonies on September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, bringing together hundreds of Regional employees to honour Survivors, their families, and those who never returned home.
Events have included a Sacred Fire, flag raising, and educational discussions that create opportunities for learning, reflection, and meaningful dialogue. These gatherings support the Region's ongoing commitment to Reconciliation by increasing awareness of the lasting impacts of residential schools, fostering understanding of Indigenous histories and cultures, and advancing efforts aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. The ceremonies are an important part of Halton Region's broader Reconciliation journey.
For more information, please visit:
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: Survivor Stories (external link) – Provides access to personal stories and experiences of Residential School Survivors, families, and communities.
- Interactive Residential School Map (external link) – Shows the locations of Residential Schools across Canada and provides information about individual schools.
Halton Region’s 2025 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Commemorative Ceremony.