Thanks for both the coverage of Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Cape Croker, and the excellent synopsis of the recently released Bruce County Saugeen Anishnaabek Reconciliation Pathway and Action Plan. Kudos to the steering committee members and all who were consulted for their input for their shared work to bring this to fruition. It is available to read at https://www.brucecounty.on.ca/news/2024-jul-08/reconciliation-action-plan-endorsed
The guiding principles (Truth, Respect, Recognition, Responsibility, Collaborative Relationships) of the Action Plan are a great framework for the valuable acknowledgement of the work needed for reconciliation with our First Peoples. It is timely that all staff and Council are receiving Indigenous Awareness training. Coverage of this will be welcome.
Recognizing the traditional and treaty territories is an important first step in reconciliation, and a first move in this acknowledgement would a verbal land acknowledgement to commence meetings at the Municipality and the committees and related groups including the Museum, Climate Action, the Chi Cheemaun Festival, and in schools and the Chamber of Commerce. Signage in facilities stating land acknowledgements will further convey the Municipality commitment to the goals of the Action Plan, of which Milt McIver is a signatory. The association of Municipalities of Ontario wrote a policy update on land acknowledgement in 2018, it is now late 2024 and we are ready for this progressive step, following many other Ontario municipalities. Hopefully the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula will bring this intention up in their next Council meeting, and report to its constituents the progress on this important recognition, as well as how the Action Plan will be utilized in future planning.
Canada’s relationships with Indigenous peoples is finally getting its day, increased awareness of those who were here before settlers shows respect and acknowledgement for this, and builds toward a shared path that will foster better relationships and collaboration.
Beverly Dywan,
Tobermory
