HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-007-19Clarftwn
Community Services
Report
If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility
Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131.
Report To: General Government Committee
Date of Meeting: June 17, 2019
Report Number: CSD -007-19 Resolution: GG -390-19
File Number: By-law Number:
Report Subject: Land Acknowledgement Statement
Recommendations:
That Report CSD -007-19 be received;
2. That Council approve the proposed Land Acknowledgement Statement to be read aloud
by the Mayor or designate at the start of public regular and special meetings of Council
and its Standing Committees held in the Municipality of Clarington, at civic celebrations,
and other official events that are hosted by the Municipality;
3. That Council approve the draft By-law (Attachment 2 to Report CSD -007-19) to amend
By-law 2015-029, the Procedural By-law, in order to incorporate a Land
Acknowledgement Statement at the meetings;
4. That staff be directed to develop a training plan, in collaboration with the Diversity
Advisory Committee and representatives of our local Indigenous community, to provide
Indigenous cultural awareness for Members of Council and staff; and
5. That all interested parties listed in Report CSD -007-19 and any delegations be advised
of Council's decision.
Municipality of Clarington
Report CSD -007-19
Report Overview
Page 2
Clarington's Diversity Advisory Committee received a request through the Municipality's
CAO's office to review and provide a recommendation to Council on the use of a Land
Acknowledgement Statement during municipal functions. This report provides some
background on this request and proposes guidelines for the use of a Land
Acknowledgement Statement.
1. Background
1.1 In 2015, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (formerly Truth and
Reconciliation Commission of Canada) published 94 calls to action for Indigenous and
non -Indigenous Canadians to come together in a combined effort to help repair the
harm caused by residential schools and move forward with reconciliation.
1.2 Clarington, Canada and the Americas, was and still is Turtle Island. Turtle Island was
already inhabited for well over 10,000 years by traditional territories, bands and
confederacies of Indigenous people. These people called the land home before the
arrival of settlers, and in many cases, still call it home today.
1.3 Inspired by the 94 recommended calls to action contained in the National Centre for
Truth and Reconciliation report, land acknowledgements are identified as a necessary
first step towards honouring the original occupants of a place. Land acknowledgements
are a respectful, historically accurate way to recognize the traditional First Nations,
Metis and / or Inuit territories of a place. They commemorate Indigenous peoples'
principal kinship to the land.
1.4 In March 2018, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) sent a
communication (Attachment 1) to municipal representatives — "AMO Policy Update —
Guidance on Traditional Land Acknowledgement Statements" following requests by
members for support on creating a traditional Land Acknowledgement Statement for
their municipal government. The communication provides guidance to interested
municipal governments on how to draft a statement for their jurisdiction.
1.5 This communication was shared with the members of the newly formed Clarington
Diversity Advisory Committee through the CAO's office in early 2019, for review and
recommendation.
1.6 Incorporating recognition and awareness of our Indigenous community and history in
our area is not new to Clarington. As part of their inauguration at a special meeting of
this current Council of the Municipality of Clarington, held December 3, 2018, a
smudging ceremony and Land Acknowledgement Statement were included.
Municipality of Clarington
Resort CSD -007-19
2. Proposal
Page 3
2.1 Staff presented an overview of the purpose of Land Acknowledgement Statements to
the Diversity Advisory Committee at a meeting in March 2019. The Committee passed
the following resolution:
"That the Council of the Municipality of Clarington open Council meetings and Municipal
events with a land acknowledgement statement. The Diversity Advisory Committee will
report back to Council with an appropriate statement after consultation with our local
Indigenous community."
2.2 On May 14, 2019, a working group of the Committee attended a meeting with Mr. Dave
Mowat, Consultation, Lands and Membership Supervisor with Mississaugas of Scugog
Island First Nation. The purpose of the meeting was to learn more about the history of
Indigenous peoples in our area and how to develop a Land Acknowledgement
Statement. These conversations and continued dialogue will serve to build deeper
awareness and strengthen relationships within our community.
2.3 The Committee also took into consideration what others in our area are doing, which
varies greatly. Examples include: The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington worked with a
representative of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation to develop a Land
Acknowledgement Statement; the City of Oshawa has included a recognition of
Indigenous Lands to their Order of Business for Regular Council Meetings; the Town of
Ajax has developed a Land Acknowledgement Statement that is shared at Council
meetings as well as on their website for use by others in the community who are hosting
events.
2.4 A draft Land Acknowledgement Statement was prepared and shared with the Diversity
Advisory Committee and Mr. Dave Mowat for agreement:
"The Municipality of Clarington is situated within the traditional and treaty territories of
the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Williams Treaties First Nation of
Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Georgina Island, Beausoleil and Rama First Nations. Our work
on these lands acknowledges their resilience and their longstanding contributions to the
area now known as the Municipality of Clarington."
3. Implementation
3.1 Land Acknowledgement Statements are usually read at the introduction of meetings,
gatherings, events or presentations. For a Land Acknowledgement Statement to be
meaningful, it is important that it is delivered with a sense of purpose and authenticity. It
is not something you "just do"; rather it is a reflection process in which you build
mindfulness and intention before beginning your business or meeting.
Municipality of Clarington Page 4
Report CSD -007-19
3.2 Staff suggests that the Land Acknowledgement Statement follow the "Moment of
Reflection" at Council meetings and follow the "Call to Order" at Standing Committee
meetings.
3.3 Staff, in consultation with our local Indigenous community and the Diversity Advisory
Committee, recommend that the Acknowledgement be read aloud by the Mayor or
designate at the start of public meetings of Council and its Standing Committees, at
civic celebrations, and other official events that are hosted supported by the
Municipality. Examples of these special events include:
x Clarington For the Love of Art Mayor's Gala
x Clarington Celebrates Canada Day
x Clarington Mayor's Golf Classic (reception)
x Clarington Sports Hall of Fame (reception)
x Facility, Parks, Trails or Municipal Buildings sod turnings, grand openings
3.4 In an effort to raise awareness and provide an understanding of the history of
Indigenous Peoples in Canada, staff, in conjunction with the Diversity Advisory
Committee, will seek out learning opportunities for Mayor, Council, and staff who may
be in a position to read this Acknowledgement to ensure that these words are not being
offered without understanding of their meaning. As a start to this awareness and
education, Mr. Mowat will be speaking at our Management Staff Meeting on Tuesday
June 25, 2019 as well as providing a presentation at this GGC meeting, on Monday
June 17t"
3.5 Any costs associated with developing additional training plans would be incorporated in
a budget submission for consideration in 2020.
4. Concurrence
This report has been reviewed by the Municipal Solicitor and the Municipal Clerk who
concur with the recommendations.
Municipality of Clarington
Resort CSD -007-19
5. Conclusion
Page 5
5.1 It is respectfully recommended that Council approve the use of the proposed Land
Acknowledgement Statement to be read as outlined in section 3.3 and amend the
Procedural By-law accordingly. It is respectfully recommended that staff be directed to
develop a training plan, in collaboration with the Diversity Advisory Committee and
representatives of our local Indigenous community, to provide Indigenous cultural
awareness for Council and staff.
6. Strategic Plan Application
Not applicable.
Submitted by:
Lee -Ann Reck,
Manager, Client Services
Reviewed by:
Andrew C. Allison, B. Comm, LL.B
CAO
Staff Contact: Lee -Ann Reck, Manager, Client Services, 905-623-3379 ext 2508 or
Ireck@clarington.net
Attachment:
Attachment 1: AMO Policy Update — Guidance on Traditional Land Acknowledgement
Statements
Attachment 2: Draft By-law to amend the Procedural By-law 2015-029
There are no interested parties to be notified of Council's decision.
Greentree, Anne
From: AMO Communications communicate@arno.on.ca>
Sent: March -15-18 11:04 AM
To: Greentree, Anne
Subject: AMO Policy Update - Guidance on Traditional Land Acknowledgement Statements
March 15, 2418
GUIDANCE ON TRADITIONAL LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
STATEMENTS
This resource was developed by HMO's recently created Indigenous Relations Task Force.
Members have requested supports on creating a traditional land acknowledgement statement for
their municipal government. The intention of this resource is therefore to provide guidance to
interested municipal governments on how to draft a statement for their jurisdiction.
WHAT ARE TRADITIONAL LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENTS?
Traditional land acknowledgement statements are increasingly being used in Canada by
governments, schools, post -secondary institutions, non-governmental organizations, and other civil
institutions as a practice of reconciliation aimed at recognizing the traditional or treaty territories of
Indigenous peoples. The statements are typically made at the introduction of meetings, gatherings,
events, or presentations. Some are .featured on organization websites -or event description pages.
They are commonly modelled after Indigenous protocols.
While municipal governments should be mindful that inaccurately acknowledging entities and
territories may have legal implications, land acknowledgement statements are best interpreted as a
venue for recognizing what is known of past Indigenous usage and occupancy of a land. Interested
municipalities are advised to create statements specific to their jurisdictions based on legally
recognized treaty or traditional lands or to opt for a high-level general statement.
TIPS FOR CREATING YOUR. MUNICIPALITY'S LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
PROTOCOL:
Research the history of the land within and in proximity to your municipal boundaries,
including treaties, active land claim litigation and Indigenous histories. This information will
be useful in helping you craft a statement.
Some of the history of specific areas may be complex and different sources could be
contradictory. In these instances, it may be better to opt for a more general statement rather
than trying to be specific.
If your municipality has an Indigenous Relations or Reconciliation committee or if you have
an Indigenous Advisory Council, you may find it useful to have this body help you create
your municipal government's land acknowledgement statement.
• Municipal governments do not have to craft a land acknowledgement statement on their
own. Engage and work with local First Nations, Metis, Indigenous organizations and
community champions in your area. Advice from these groups may be useful in helping you
develop a land acknowledgement protocol for your municipal government. Some may have
also developed template acknowledgement statements for external use.
• Focus on your current neighbours and Indigenous residents with an eye towards
acknowledging past usage and occupants. Remember that in some cases, First Nations
communities may not be located on their traditional lands.
• Once your statement has been drafted, remember that it may be viewed as political. Some
may critique the acknowledgement protocol your municipal government has created. While.
you may fmd it useful to consider their input and view the statement as a living document,
do your best and remember that your municipality may not be able to make everyone happy.
• Some municipal governments with existing land acknowledgement protocols have
implemented a trial period (e.g. 6 months) for their statement to allow Indigenous
community members an opportunity to provide feedback.
• Determine which type of meetings and events you might wish to begin using your land
acknowledgement statement to make sure it continues to be meaningful. You may also wish
to consider whether you want to have a traditional land acknowledgement statement on your
municipality's website.
• To avoid traditional land acknowledgement statements being used superficially and without
an appreciation for their cultural meaning, some municipal governments have provided
municipal elected representatives and staff with cultural awareness training before
implementing the use of a statement.
• Some municipalities invite Indigenous Elders or leaders to participate in introduction
protocols at civic celebrations or official events to bring greetings on behalf of the local
Indigenous community. Sometimes this approach is used instead of a land acknowledgement
statement.
EXAMPLES OF STATEMENTS USED IN ONTARIO:
City of Guelph — Used at the beginning of Council meetings, civic celebrations, official events
"As we gather, we are reminded that Guelph is situated on treaty land that is steeped in rich
Indigenous history and home to many First Nations, Metis and Inuit people today. As a City, we
have a responsibility for the stewardship of the land on which we live and work. Today we
acknowledge the Mississaugas of the [New] Credit First Nation on whose traditional territory
we are meeting."
For more information: Cjjy of Guelph Territorial Acknowled eg ment.
Government of Ontario — High—level statement
"[Insert name of city/town] is located on the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples dating back
countless generations. I want to show my respect for their contributions and recognize the role of
treaty making in what is now Ontario. Hundreds of years after the first treaties were signed, they
are still relevant today."
Carleton University (Ottawa) — Suggested scripts to be used before the start of university events
"We/I would like to acknowledge the Algonquin nation whose traditional and unceded territory we
are gathered upon today." Or, "We/I would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which
we gather is the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin nation."
For more information: Carleton University Territory Acknowledgement.
University of Toronto — Used in specific university ceremonies
"(We) wish to acknowledge this land on which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands
of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the
Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous
people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land."
For more information: University of Toronto Statement of Acknowledgement of Traditional Land.
TOOLS AND RESOURCES:
Canada
The Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System (contains interactive maps of treaties
and claims as well as other relevant information, including Community Profiles,
Agreements, and Court Cases): Government of Canada Aboriginal and TreatyRihts
Information System.
The Consultation and Information Service: Government of Canada Aboriginal and Treaty
Rights Information System (ATRIS).
On reconciliation: Government of Canada Reconciliation.
Ontario
• On Treaties in Ontario: Government of Ontario Treaties.
• On the Province's approach to reconciliation: The Journey Together: Ontario's Commitment
to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
AMO Contact: Leslie Munoz, Policy Advisor, lmunoz2amo.on.ca, 416.971.9856 ext. 367.
PLEASE Noce: AMO Breaking News will be broadcast to the member municipality's council, administrator, and
clerk. Recipients of the AMO broadcasts are free to redistribute the AMO broadcasts to other municipal staff as
required. We have decided to not add other staff to these broadcast lists in order to ensure accuracy and
efficiency in the management of our various broadcast lists.
DISCLAIMER: Any documents attached are final versions. AMO assumes no responsibility for any discrepancies
that may have been transmitted with this electronic version. The printed versions of the documents stand as the
official record.
Attachment 2 to
Municipality of Clarington Report CSD -007-19
If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility
Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131.
The Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington
By-law 2019 -XXX
Being a by-law to By-law 2015-029, a By-law to govern the
proceedings of the Council of the Municipality of Clarington, its
General Government Committee, its Planning and Development
Committee, and Special Committees
Whereas the Council of the Municipality of Clarington has approved the
recommendations by Clarington's Diversity Advisory Committee and those outlined in
Report CSD -007-19 to include a Land Acknowledgement Statement at meetings;
Whereas current Clarington's Procedural By-law, 2015-029, does not currently allow for
a Land Acknowledgement Statement at meetings;
Now therefore be it enacted that By-law 2015-029, Clarington's Procedural By-law, be
amended as follows:
In Subsection 6.1.1 (Council Agenda):
a. That the words "Land Acknowledgement Statement" be added following
the word "Moment of Reflection";
2. In Subsection 6.2.1 (General Government Agenda):
a. That the words "Land Acknowledgement Statement" be added following
words "Call to Order";
3. In Subsection 6.3.1 (Planning and Development Committee Agenda):
a. That the words "Land Acknowledgement Statement" be added following
words "Call to Order";
4. In Subsection 6.4.1 (Special Committee Agenda):
a. That the words "Land Acknowledgement Statement" be added following
words "Call to Order";
Municipality of Clarin
5. That a new Subsection 7.1.4 be added as follows:
7.1.4 Land Acknowledgement Statement
Attachment 2 to
Report CSD -007-19
In recognition of a necessary first step towards honouring the original
occupants of a place, and as a way to recognize the traditional First Nations,
Metis and / or Inuit territories of a place, and to commemorate Indigenous
peoples' principal kinship to the land, the following Land Acknowledgement
Statement shall be read following the Call to Order:
"The Municipality of Clarington is situated on the traditional territory
and treaty land of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.
Our work on these lands acknowledges the signatory communities
of Williams Treaties, as well as the Mississauga Nation and other
members of the broader Indigenous community, for their resilience
and their longstanding contributions to the area now known as the
Municipality of Clarington."
6. That this by-law shall take effect on the date of passing.
Passed in Open Council this day of , 2019.
Adrian Foster, Mayor
C. Anne Greentree, Municipal Clerk