Indigenous Reconciliation

The Township of North Dumfries is situated upon the traditional territories of the Neutral, Anishnaabe (pronounced Ah-nish-naw-bay) and Haudenosaunee (pronounced Ho-den-noh-show-nee) peoples. This land is known as the Haldimand Tract. North Dumfries is situated on block one of the Haldimand Tract.

In 1784 the British Crown awarded all six Haudenosaunee nations (Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Onodaga, Seneca and Tuscarora) the Haldimand Tract, which encompasses six miles on either side of the Grand River, extending from the headwaters near Dundalk to Port Maitland at the mouth of the River on Lake Erie. This use of this land was promised to the Haudenosaunee Confederation on October 25, 1784 to compensate them for the loss of their lands in upstate New York when they allied with the British who were defeated in the American Revolutionary war. The Mohawk name for the Grand River is O:se Kenhionhata:tie, which means “Willow River”, named for the many willows in the watershed.

We extend our respect to all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples for their past and present contributions to this land. We also recognize and respect the cultural diversity that First Nations, Métis and Inuit bring to the Township of North Dumfries. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis and Inuit in North Dumfries today

Haudenosaunee Peoples (People of the Longhouse) is made up of the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, Senecas and the Tuscaroras, and was intended as a way to unite the nations and create a peaceful decision making. Haudenosaunee are united by a common goal to live in harmony. Described as the oldest, participatory democracy on Earth, the Haudenosaunee constitution has inspired many forms of democracy across the world. Law, society and nature are equal partners & each play an important role. The largest reserve in North America is the Six Nations of the Grand River.

The Reconciliation Action Partnership (RAP) is a collaborative group of municipal representatives working to coordinate efforts to support Indigenous-centred initiatives across Waterloo Region. Municipalities have the opportunity and responsibility to contribute to reconciliation with Indigenous communities, as this work connects land, people and governance.

The Township of North Dumfries has appointed a dedicated staff member to this group to ensure that North Dumfries can be actively engaged on matters associated with Indigenous relations, education and outreach. 

There are five RAP sub-committees working to achieve coordinated direction, based on the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and on the Calls to Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Sub-committees include:

• Heritage, Cultural Landscapes and Commemoration Sub Committee
• Communications and Events
• Honorarium and Compensation Practices
• Placekeeping and Land (Use of Space)
• Learning and Development

This work is ongoing and will evolve over time.  This work is intended to improve and enhance service delivery to Indigenous Peoples in Waterloo Region, develop respectful relationships with Indigenous communities to meaningfully support Indigenous-led work and build a more inclusive community and municipal workplace.

There are many local Indigenous organizations you can support. We encourage you to visit their websites, follow them on social media, support them, and listen to their calls for help and donations. Some will be accepting donations, others will not, but it’s important to get familiar with local Indigenous groups, communities and organizations as part of our journey toward reconciliation. Relationship building is an important step toward that journey. 

• O:se Kenhionhata:tie
• Woodland Cultural Centre
• KW Urban Native Wigwam Project
• Indigenous Food Sovereignty Collective – Waterloo Region
• Indigenous Student Centres at Conestoga College, Wilfrid Laurier University and University of Waterloo
• Healing of the Seven Generations
• White Owl Native Ancestry
• Grand River Métis Council

• NPAAMB (Niagara Peninsula Aboriginal Area Management)   

• Anishinaabeg Outreach

• Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC)

• Wellbeing Waterloo Region First Nations Metis Inuit Advisory Circle

You may be interested in donating to the organizations listed below. Many of these are national-level organizations, many are youth-led or survivor-led. All are focused on protecting Indigenous peoples, Indigenous cultures and Indigenous histories.

• Indian Residential School Survivors Society
• National Centre for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
• Legacy of Hope Foundation
• Canadian Roots Exchange
• Woodland Cultural Centre/Save the Evidence Campaign (located in Brantford, ON)
• Native Women’s Association of Canada
• First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
• The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

May 5 is National Day Of Awareness For Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women And Girls. This day is also known as Red Dress Day across Canada.  Wear red on May 5 to create awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.  Read the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

The Moose Hide Campaign began more than 10 years ago as a B.C.-born Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and children. It has since grown into a nationwide movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people taking action to end this violence. This day is observed on May 11.

Moose hide is a symbol of taking a stand against violence and undoing the effects of residential schools. Co-founders Paul and his daughter Raven were hunting moose to help feed their family for the winter and provide for cultural purposes. This was a grounding tradition on their land that passed knowledge from one generation to the other, something the residential school system tried to erase. They felt connected to their surroundings within their Carrier territory along the Highway of Tears in Northern B.C. where so many women have gone missing or been murdered. And they were inspired.  Paul knew his young daughter deserved a life of dignity and respect free from violence. 

And so it began… a cultural tradition of generational teachings became a symbol of a responsible, meaningful pledge. 

A moose hide pin is worn to support and spark conversation about ending violence. It can be worn by everyone.  Moose hide pins are free and ship anywhere within Canada. Order online: https://moosehidecampaign.ca/pins/

In June, we commemorate National Indigenous History Month to recognize the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.

On June 21 we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.  This is a day to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Local events for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The Government of Canada passed legislation to make September 30 a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is an important step in the reconciliation process. It provides an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, and to honour their survivors, their families and communities.

September 30 has also been known as Orange Shirt Day, in recognition of the harm the residential school system did to Indigenous children's sense of self-esteem and well being. Learn more about Orange Shirt Day by reading Phyllis' Story.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing pain or distress as a result from their past experiences with residential schools, we urge you to please call the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line (1-866-925-4419) provided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and available 24 hours a day.

You can also call the Crisis Line to get information on other health supports provided by the Health Canada Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program.

What Can You Do To Help?

These are suggestions from Woodland Cultural Centre for you to take action!

1. Read the 94 Calls To Action provided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

You can find the Calls to Action here and also visit the TRC website for many additional resources regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Report.

Click Here for a child-friendly educational resource about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action provided by The First Nations Child & Family Caring Society.

2. Educate Yourself About Indigenous Culture

Residential schools are part of Indigenous history but it is not part of Indigenous culture. Educate yourself on the peoples’ culture of the traditional territory you live on. Listen, watch, and read!

3. Educate Yourself About the History of Residential Schools

Woodland Cultural Centre provides numerous resources about residential schools.

They also recommend checking out the Witness Blanket, by artist Carey Newman, at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the documentary, Picking Up The Pieces, that Newman created to go along with the project.

4. Sharing The History

As much as it’s important to educate yourself, what you do with that information is also important. Share the history with your family, friends, workplaces, service organizations, and faith groups. These conversations can be difficult to have but they are essential. We need to ensure that future generations of children are being properly educated on Indigenous history and culture.

Sisters in Spirit Day on October 4 is a day to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2-spirit people (MMIWG2S). This day explore similar themes to Red Dress Day, observed across Canada on May 5. This day is also known as National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2-Spirit People (MMIWG2S).

The movement for this observance is decentralized and community-led. It was inspired by a project by the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) in 2005 to research and raise awareness of MMIWG2S. In 2022, Alberta’s legislature designated October 4 annually as Sisters in Spirit Day.

Indigenous Veterans Day is observed in Canada on November 8, in recognition of Indigenous contributions to military service, particularly in the First World War, Second World War and the Korean War. Over 12,000 Indigenous people are estimated to have participated in all three wars, including 7,000 First Nations members. This legacy of courage and service continues today: there are more than 2,700 Indigenous members serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Despite their service and sacrifice during these conflicts, many Indigenous veterans endured hatred and systemic racism while serving. They also did not receive the same benefits, honours and respect as non-Indigenous veterans.

Louis Riel (1844-1885) is recognized as a great Métis leader and defender of Métis rights. His leadership also inspired the creation of Manitoba as Canada’s fifth province. Riel led the Métis people during the Northwest Resistance (1869-70 and 1885).  As a result of his leadership role in the Resistance, the Canadian government found him guilty of high treason and he was hanged on November 16, 1885.

Louis Riel Day is held every year on November 16 to remember Riel and what he sacrificed. It is also a time for the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and MNO Chartered Community Councils, including the local Grand River Métis Council, to celebrate Métis culture, recognize the many contributions of the Métis to Canada and to highlight the struggles that Métis continue to face.