The Town is committed to advancing Truth and Reconciliation and building and maintaining meaningful and respectful relationships with Indigenous Nations, peoples, communities and organizations.
The Town’s actions are guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action. The 94 calls to action address all levels of government, including municipalities, such as the Town of Halton Hills, as well as the corporate sector, specific organizations, institutions and associations, and the broader Canadian society as a whole.
As we continue to advance and create a foundation for future work, we encourage residents and staff to continue their learning journey. Everyone has a role to play in reconciliation. Additional resources for support and learning are located at the bottom of this page.
What the Town is doing
Land and Treaty Recognition |
|
Land and Treaty recognition respond to Call to Action 45 iii: regarding Renewing and Establishing Treaty Relationships Land AcknowledgementLand and Treaty acknowledgements are an important first step toward helping settlers recognize and respect Indigenous history, treaty rights and connection to the land. The Town is located on the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN). Treaty 19, also known as the Ajetance Purchase, was signed on October 28, 1818 by representatives of the Crown and Anishinaabe peoples. To allow for treaty and land acknowledgements to be included at Council meetings, the Town held a procedural by-law workshop. Treaty and land acknowledgements have been included in all Council meetings since the June 14, 2021 Council Meeting. Additionally, select Town programs begin with verbal treaty and land acknowledgements.
Land Acknowledgement PlaquesLand and treaty acknowledgement plaques have been installed at thirteen Town facilities and library branches. Recognizing the treaty holders is an important step toward helping settlers recognize and respect Indigenous history, treaty rights, and connection to the land. |
Residential Schools |
|
These actions respond to Call to Action 80. The horrific news of hundreds of unmarked graves at former residential school sites ignited a national awakening. The Town of Halton Hills joins communities across Canada in mourning the loss of children who never returned home after being forced to attend residential schools. We recognize and honour Indigenous lives lost and the ongoing intergenerational impact that residential schools have had on survivors, families and communities. Educating ourselves about the history of residential schools and Canada’s treatment of Indigenous peoples is important. Learning the truth is the first step towards enacting positive change. Every Child Matters Flags and SignsThe Every Child Matters flag flies permanently at the Library & Cultural Centre, Town Hall, and the Acton Arena and -Community Centre. Every Child Matters Signage at Town FacilitiesEvery Child Matters signs are posted at Town Hall and plans are underway to expand to other facilities. Orange CrosswalkOn September 30, 2021, an Orange Crosswalk was installed at Main & Confederation Streets in Glen Williams. The crosswalk is a symbol to honour the Indigenous children who did not return home from residential schools and to show support for the survivors who did. The Orange Crosswalk was inaugurated at a public event with the participation of Gimaa Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Eddy Robinson, Halton Region’s Indigenous Advisor, Mayor, Council and Town staff, staff and students from Glen Williams Public School and community members. Photo Gallery: Orange Crosswalk will appear here on the public site.
Ribbon AcknowledgementIn 2021, orange ribbons were installed at the Gellert Community Centre. The Halton Hills Public Library (Acton and Georgetown branches) installed displays of multi-coloured ribbons, reflective of ribbon skirts, as part of "Ribbons to Remember". The public was also invited to add their own ribbons. |
Community Education & Cultural Programming |
|
These initiatives respond to calls to Action #79, 80 & 83: Indigenous Programming, Cultural Representation and Ceremony. Indigenous Cultural ProgrammingThe Town and Halton Hills Public Library strive for the meaningful inclusion of indigenous programming, representation and perspectives year-round, including within the Helson Gallery and during Indigenous History Month, the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and the annual Culture Days festival. Annual Programming:
Past Programming Highlights include:
|
Professional Development & Training |
|
Staff training and education responds to call 57 regarding Professional Development and Training for Public Servants. Training and Learning Opportunities for StaffAs part of the Town’s efforts to educate staff, three sessions of the Kairos Blanket Exercise were offered to Town Council and staff. Staff and Council members participated in a virtual tour of the Woodland Cultural Centre, originally called the Mohawk Institute. This former residential school located in Brantford is the closest residential school to the Town of Halton Hills. The Town annually sends an email to all staff prior to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange T Shirt Day encouraging staff to continue their learning journey. This message includes a list of local Indigenous events and activities and a range of accessible resources. |
Resources |
Dates of Significance |
Support
If you need support, please call:
-
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
-
Indian Residential School Survivors Telephone Support Line: 1-800-721-0066
-
First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
-
Native Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-877-209-1266
-
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868, or text 686868