HALDIMAND—To mark the third annual day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, The Haldimand Press sent a request to all three local branches of government. The questions asked our MP, MPP, and the County how they will mark the day, why it’s important for us – particularly as neighbours to one of Canada’s largest Indigenous communities, their understanding on the history behind Truth and Reconciliation, and how they are responding to the 94 Calls to Action as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The following is Haldimand Norfolk MP Leslyn Lewis’ reply:
“The residential school system was a dark chapter in Canada’s history, and many of Canada’s First Nations people are still recovering from this time.
“I and my Conservative colleagues are committed to the process of reconciliation. It was a Conservative government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, that apologized for the role the Canadian government played and established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. While some of the 94 Calls to Action, including the establishment of a federal day of commemoration, have been implemented or are in process, it’s clear that there’s more work to be done.
“My doors are always open to our neighbouring First Nations communities and I am committed to building real working relationships with the people and leaders in these communities, and our own, as we continue to stand committed to reconciliation on behalf of all Canadians.”
Haldimand Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady responded with the following:
“Truth and Reconciliation is about acknowledgement and healing. It’s a time to reflect on the injustices and the ongoing impacts to our Indigenous friends and neighbours. There is always room for more learning, which comes by way of more listening. I am always willing to sit down with anyone from any community who wants to further the sentiments of kindness, respect, and progress.”
Speaking on behalf of the County, Customer Experience and Communication Supervisor Kyra Hayes said that the County was marking the occasion with a week of opportunities for staff to explore and understand more about the history of Indigenous peoples’ experience in Canada.
“It is important to understand the true history of Canada to both acknowledge and honour the resiliency of the original people of this land, and also to understand how this history has shaped our country today. Harmful laws and practices sought to eradicate the culture and traditions of the Indigenous people in Canada,” said Hayes.
She said the County “acknowledges that these actions have had lasting impacts throughout many generations and continues to influence the systems and intercultural relationships we have today. With Haldimand County being neighbours with two First Nations communities, it is even more important for non-Indigenous people to educate themselves on the national and local histories; through such awareness, the community is better equipped to support a mutually respectful relationship and identify/address barriers in doing so.”
In addition to providing a variety of resources, books, films, and historical items related to Indigenous history, and flying the ‘Every Child Matters’ flag at the administration building until September 30, the County is collaborating with the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford to provide Haldimand staff with a tour of the Mohawk Institute “to learn the history behind residential schools, as well as hear interviews from five survivors. This includes a donation made to their education department and to preserving evidence and artifacts.”
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has issued 94 Calls to Action that outline actionable policy recommendations meant to aid in the healing process. Hayes touched on how the municipality is approaching those calls.
“As an initial focus, Haldimand County is responding to the 57th Call to Action, which is professional development and training for public servants. Specifically, it is intended that all County representatives, including employees, Council members, volunteer firefighters, and Haldimand County Library Board employees, be provided locally relevant education on Indigenous history and skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism. Staff are currently reviewing a multitude of options in this regard, and is working with the County’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee to recommend an approach to training, in order to meet this commitment,” said Hayes.
We asked the County if they could share some insight on how our municipal representatives engage with Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and if there were ways to further improve that relationship.
Hayes’ reply focused on how the County has worked to improve their relationship in terms of developing a better consultation process for new development.
“For over 20 years the County has actively participated in the Grand River Notification Agreement (GRNA), which serves as an information sharing opportunity relative to development projects, certain land transfers, and other significant infrastructure projects (e.g. expansions to/new builds of wastewater treatment plants, water treatment plants, recreation facilities, etc.).”
She continued, “In addition to the GRNA, about three years ago the County invited Six Nations and Mississaugas of the Credit staff into its development pre-consultation process. This inclusion has provided an excellent opportunity to further strengthen relationships and has proven to be an effective way to identify matters of interest for both Nations early in a development planning process and to collectively chart paths forward to address those interests.”
She said that senior staff regularly meet with staff from our two First Nations neighbours to “discuss and obtain feedback on major County strategies/policy projects,” citing the County’s current archaeological master plan as an example where the County has “worked collectively with both First Nations to develop a scope of work, select a consultant, and review the project deliverables (which is ongoing).”
She noted that while the “amount, breadth, and quality of the County’s engagement has advanced significantly over the last number of years,” there is always room for improvement.
“The County will continue to look for and discuss (with First Nations neighbours) ways that can further strengthen existing relationships and improve upon the work already completed.”
Lastly, she noted the County’s ongoing collaboration with Six Nations to provide water from the Nanticoke water treatment plant to the border of Six Nations, which will facilitate an internal water distribution supply for the Six Nations community: “Together, the County and Six Nations leadership have lobbied the provincial government for funding to allow this project to move forward,” concluded Hayes.
