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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-009-23Clarftwn Staff 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: March 20, 2023 Submitted By: Reviewed By: File Number: Report Subject: Mary -Anne Dempster, CAO Rob Maciver, Deputy CAO/Solicitor Report Number: CAO-009-23 Resolution#: GG-081-23 By-law Number: Recommended Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti -Racism and Accessibility Updates Recommendations: 1. That Report CAO-009-23 be received; 2. That Clarington's Land Acknowledgment Guidelines be received; 3. That staff be directed to update the Terms of Reference to include a requirement that Clarington's Advisory Committees and Municipal Service Boards share the Land Acknowledgment Statement in accordance with the Land Acknowledgment Statement Guidelines at the beginning of their meetings; 4. That this requirement that Clarington's Advisory Committees and Municipal Service Boards share the Land Acknowledgment Statement be included as part of the upcoming Procedural By-law Review; 5. That the attached Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti -Racism and Accessibility Training Plan for Council Policy be approved; and 6. That all interested parties listed in Report CAO-009-23 and any delegations be advised of Council's decision. Municipality of Clarington Report CAO-009-23 Report Overview Page 2 In 2018, the Municipality of Clarington's Council made a commitment to addressing issues surrounding Diversity with the creation of the Diversity Advisory Committee. Since then, a dedicated IDEA Officer has been working with the committee to advance topics focussed on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti -racism. One item that has been significantly introduced in 2019, was the development and implementation of a Land Acknowledgment Statement. This statement is shared at the start of all public meetings, including Council and Committee meetings, civic celebrations, and official events hosted by the Municipality. To further enhance the meaning of this important statement, staff have developed Land Acknowledgment Guidelines that provide background and resources to support meaningful sharing of the Land Acknowledgment Statement. Another key area to supporting Inclusion and Diversity within the Municipality is to offer educational opportunities to increase acceptance and understanding of a wide range of topics. Specifically, to support Members of Council in recognizing, understanding, and addressing racism and discrimination, as well as to address Call to Action #57 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, an Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti -Racism, and Accessibility (IDEAA) Training Plan Policy is proposed through this report. This recommendation, if approved, would help support the overall Municipality in achieving the goals of the IDEAA workplan. 1. Background and Recommendations Land Acknowledgment 1.1 Land Acknowledgment Statements are shared to recognize Indigenous Peoples and their stewardship of the land; accept our colonial past and the impact of colonialism. Land Acknowledgement Statements identify that we have obligations to fulfill as outlined in the Treaties for this area; demonstrate awareness of Indigenous land rights; and move toward establishing respectful relationships. 1.2 Arising out of Report CSD-010-19, Council approved Clarington's Land Acknowledgment Statement in 2019, following a recommendation by Clarington's Diversity Advisory Committee who worked with Chief Dave Mowat, Alderville First Nation, to reflect the original caretakers of the Land on which Clarington is situated. Clarington's Procedural By-law includes a Land Acknowledgment Statement at meetings of Council and Committee, civic celebrations, and official events hosted by the Municipality. Municipality of Clarington Report CAO-009-23 Page 3 1.3 Since this time, more organizations, municipalities, and settlers attending events and meetings have incorporated the sharing of a Land Acknowledgment Statements. Land Acknowledgments can risk failure to demonstrate their intended purpose, movement toward Reconciliation, when they are scripted rather than personal; or are read by rote rather than offering authentic reflections. 1.4 2020 saw a change in meeting offerings. As many organizations did, Clarington began hosting meetings virtually or in a hybrid format. Individuals who are sharing the Land Acknowledgment Statement may be located outside of the Municipality of Clarington and should properly identify whose treaty lands they are occupying as appropriate. 1.5 To support the sharing of a Land Acknowledgment in a meaningful way and incorporate the sharing of a Land Acknowledgment in a virtual / hybrid setting, Clarington's Land Acknowledgment Guidelines (attachment 1) and Clarington's Land Acknowledgment Quick Reference Sheet (attachment 2) have been developed by the Staff Truth and Reconciliation Committee to provide context, background, and suggestions for those who are sharing. 1.6 The application of the Land Acknowledgment Statement is recommended by staff to include meetings of Advisory Committees and Boards of Council as well as any individual who wishes to share a Land Acknowledgment Statement at the beginning of a public event or meeting. 1.7 Staff have discussed these changes with the Clerk's Division and confirmed that these changes can be incorporated in the upcoming Procedural By-law Review that the Clerks' Division is undertaking as well as changes to their Terms of Reference. 1.8 These guidelines have been reviewed by Clarington's Diversity Advisory Committee and Diversity and Inclusion Staff Team and both have provided their concurrence. 1.9 The Clarington Land Acknowledgment Guidelines and Quick Reference Sheet will be shared with the staff liaisons of Advisory Committees and Boards, included in the Orientation Package for Members of Committees and Boards, shared in meeting rooms within Clarington's facilities and spaces, and shared online for public access. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti -Racism and Accessibility (IDEAA) Training for Council 1.10 In June of 2020, Clarington stood together with the global community and stated that racism and discrimination against any marginalized member of our community will not be tolerated. Municipality of Clarington Report CAO-009-23 Page 4 1.11 Asa municipality, we have an obligation to provide good governance to the people we serve. We have various roles and responsibilities to provide services, enact by-laws, create policies and are the "guardians of public interest" (Ontario Human Rights Commission, Anti -racism, and anti -discrimination for municipalities). 1.12 Through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, the following call is addressed to municipal government (among others): Call to Action #57: We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal —Crown relations. This will require skills -based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti -racism. 1.13 Our community is becoming more diverse, and we are becoming more aware of human rights and racism / discrimination issues within our community. Racism and discrimination are injustices that we can and should address to ensure our community is safe, inclusive, and welcoming. One way to support this is through training and dialogue to build our capacity, dismantle systemic racism and discrimination, and understand the unique needs of our residents. 1.14 In December 2022, Senior Leadership approved an Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti - Racism and Accessibility Training Plan for staff. This training plan formalizes existing programs and provides options for all staff during onboarding as well as throughout employment. The plan clearly outlines mandatory and optional trainings that are available. 1.15 To support Members of Council in recognizing, understanding, and addressing racism and discrimination, as well as to address Call to Action #57 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, an Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti -Racism, and Accessibility (IDEAA) Training Plan for Council Policy has been developed and is recommended to be approved. 1.16 The IDEAA Training Plan for Council has been shared with Clarington's Diversity Advisory Committee and Diversity and Inclusion Staff Team and both have provided their concurrence. In addition, Clarington's Diversity Advisory Committee recommended that an optional, condensed training opportunity be explored for members of Advisory Committees and Boards of Council. Staff are looking into this opportunity. Municipality of Clarington Page 5 Report CAO-009-23 1.17 The proposed policy that supports the IDEAA training plan for Council Policy (attachment 3) is recommended to be approved. This policy will demonstrate Council's commitment to anti -racism and anti -discrimination and provides a sustainable way to ensure this commitment is sustainable through future terms of Council. 1.18 If the IDEAA training plan policy is approved by Council, staff will work with Legislative Services to schedule (where required) the sessions. The training would be offered in a phased approach over the first 18 months of each Term of Council in a variety of formats including in -person, self -directed online learning, and virtual. 2. Financial Considerations 2.1 It is anticipated the implementation of the IDEAA Training Plan for Council will cost approximately $5,000 and has been accounted for within the approved 2023 Operating Budget. 3. Concurrence This report has been reviewed by the Deputy CAO/Treasurer, Deputy CAO/Solicitor, and the Municipal Clerk who concur with the recommendations. 4. Conclusion It is respectfully recommended that Clarington's Land Acknowledgment Guidelines be received and that the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti -Racism, and Accessibility Training Plan for Council Policy be approved. Staff Contact: Erica Mittag (IDEA Officer) or Lee -Ann Reck (Manager, Corporate Performance), emittag(aWarington.net or I reck(aWari ngton. net Attachments: Attachment 1 — Clarington's Land Acknowledgment Guidelines Attachment 2 — Clarington's Land Acknowledgment Quick Reference Sheet Attachment 3 — Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti -Racism, and Accessibility Training Plan for Council Policy Interested Parties: 1►rm Clarftwn Attachment 1 to Report CAO-009-23 Land Acknowledgment Guidelines The Municipality of Clarington's Current Land Acknowledgment Statement: The Municipality of Clarington is situated within the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas and Chippewas of the Anishinabeg, known today as the Williams Treaties First Nations. Our work on these lands acknowledges their resilience and their longstanding contributions to the area now known as the Municipality of Clarington. Chippewas: chip-uh-WUHS Anishinabeg: uh-NISH-in-NAH-bek What is a Land Acknowledgment Statement? Land Acknowledgments are a way for people to insert an awareness of Indigenous presence and land rights in everyday life. This is often done at the beginning of ceremonies, lectures, or any public event. Land Acknowledgments are: - A way to recognize the history of colonialism and the need for change in settler colonial societies - a responsibility as they implicate the speaker in the history of the land on which they work, live, and speak - a time for reflection and demonstrating recognition of Indigenous lands, treaties, and Peoples - an opportunity to think about what happened in the past and what changes can be made going forward to further reconciliation - a small and important step in building a positive relationship with Indigenous Peoples - honoring the land and Indigenous presence which dates back over 10,000 years When and where should they be delivered? Land acknowledgment statements should be shared at the beginning of any meeting or event; prior to any business or event activities occurring. Land Acknowledgment Tips: 1. Find out about the land you are gathering on. Do your research and find out the land you are gathering on is Treaty Territory (seized through the legal system), Unceded Territory (not seized through legal processes), or Page 2 part of Inuit or Metis homelands. Using https://native-land.ca/ and https://www.whose.land/en/ are resources to use to find out whose territory you are on. 2. Learn the proper pronunciation of words and practice before you read the land acknowledgment statement There are many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit groups in Canada, and many territorial names and titles that non -Indigenous people are not used to saying. Do not be afraid to ask questions and find out how to pronounce the names and titles in your acknowledgment. • Respectfully ask someone from that nation or from a local organization how to pronounce • Check the nation's website; they may have a phonetic pronunciation available • Search a Nation's name on social media as there may be videos with pronunciation If you make a mistake, or feel you have not pronounced something correctly, be professional and complete the statement. An example of providing phonetic spelling, as seen in the Municipality of Clarington Land Acknowledgment Statement: Chippewas: chip-uh-WUHS Anishinabeg: uh-NISH-in-NAH-bek 3. Make the statement meaningful and personal Clear the room/space of distractions. This also gives those in the room a moment to come together and listen to your words. Ask people to put their phones on silent/vibrate, and to mind the door for any late comers. This will help ensure those at the meeting or event are grounded, present and comfortable. As a participant in a situation when a Land Acknowledgment is shared, be present and focused. A land acknowledgment must come from your heart, not just be read off a piece of paper; when you state it, mean it. Ask yourself: how does this land acknowledgment represent my connection to this place? And now that I know about the mistreatment of Indigenous Peoples, what does this land acknowledgment propel me to do? Reflect and include some steps you are taking personally or in the workplace to work towards Reconciliation. Page 3 Examples of Personal and Meaningful Land Acknowledgment Statements: You may consider including a message around your Land Acknowledgment statement to demonstrate your commitment to truth and reconciliation. These suggestions are only that, suggestions, to add meaning to your statement. Begin by sharing the approved Land Acknowledgment statement, followed by a moment of personal reflection to your commitment to reconciliation. Before starting this meeting, I would like to share some truths about myself and about the place that many of us call home: Though I am not Indigenous, rather I am of settler-colonial/settler ancestry/ an immigrant who has settled on this land. My heritage extends to (England, France, Ireland, etc.), I, like many other settlers, have benefited greatly from living on Turtle Island. As a visitor on this land, I have an important responsibility to acknowledge the grounds on which we are privileged to gather. My experience and respect for the land inspires me to take action, support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations and be an ally to Indigenous People. 2. 1 want to start by saying that myself, my family, and my ancestors are settlers of where I currently live and work, which includes the Municipality of Clarington. I am extremely grateful to the First Nations people for their care for, and teachings about, our earth. My hope for the work of this committee is that we honor those teachings and I ask that everyone keep that in mind as we continue with our meeting today. 3. While we are joining virtually, I would like to acknowledge that I am currently located within the Municipality of Clarington, which is situated within the traditional and treaty territories of the Mississaugas and Chippewas of the Anishinabeg, known today as the Williams Treaties First Nations. I would like to ask all of you to search out and learn about whose land you are occupying and give thanks to the Indigenous Peoples of those lands for the stewardship of these lands today and since time immemorial and learn more about Indigenous Peoples and the challenges they face. Beyond Acknowledgment Reconciliation goes beyond a land acknowledgment statement. It is important to create and foster this relationship with good intentions and actions. It is important to reflect on why one does a Land Acknowledgment, one's commitment to the land and respect for indigenous peoples to continue this journey to reconciliation. Support Indigenous businesses Learn about Indigenous history from Indigenous peoples and their elders Connect with Indigenous communities Page 4 • Attend Indigenous Cultural Awareness training sessions Resources for Clarington: - Native Lana - Whose Land - William's Treaties First Nations - The Importance of Land Acknowledgments - Land Acknowledgment Power Point Truth and Reconciliation Staff Committee The Truth and Reconciliation Commission released 94 Calls to Action in 2015 to redress the legacy of residential schools. Many of the Calls to Action are directed to municipal government, as well as other levels of government. The Truth and Reconciliation Staff Committee was formed in 2021 to review the Calls to Action and develop plans for their implementation in Clarington. The Committee is committed to engaging with Indigenous Communities and fostering reciprocal relationships with them through their work. To learn more about the work of the Committee and to get involved, please visit the Committee's SharePoint site. Clarftwn Land Acknowledgment Reference Sheet The Municipality of Clarington's Current Land Acknowledgment Statement: The Municipality of Clarington is situated within the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas and Chippewas of the Anishinabeg, known today as the Williams Treaties First Nations. Our work on these lands acknowledges their resilience and their longstanding contributions to the area now known as the Municipality of Clarington. Pronunciation It is essential to use correct pronunciation when delivering the statement as it shows the effort being made and respectfully acknowledges Indigenous communities Chippewas — chip-uh-WUHS Anishinabeg — uh-NISH-in-NAH-bek Reason Delivering the land acknowledgment statement raises awareness about Indigenous presence and their land rights. It recognizes the history and effects of colonialism while taking steps towards reconciliation. The statement is delivered at the beginning of meetings or events. Education Learning about the land one resides on is key to understanding the magnitude of the statement and the power it holds in reconciliation and relationship building. Clarington's land acknowledgment statement was prepared with the consultation and expertise of Alderville First Nation Chief Dave Mowat. Meaningful and Personal When delivering the statement, one must truly reflect on Commitment the weight the land acknowledgment holds. This results in the statement being spoken with understanding as opposed to a mandatory practice. This can be done by sharing personal stories and compassion. Empathy, effort, understanding, and sincerity are positive steps towards reconciliation and relationship building. Page 2 References for Extra Information: • Clarington to Acknowledge Indigenous Land • Reading Clarington's Land Acknowledgment Statement • Ontario Treaties and Reserves • Past, Present & Future of Scuqoq First Nations • Reasons for Delivering the Land Acknowledgment Statement • Pronunciations of Various Indiaenous Lands Council Policy Clarftwn If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 Number: Type: Title: Owner: Approved By: Approval Date: Effective Date: Revised Date: Applicable to: CP-Year-00# Political Governance Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti -Racism and Accessibility Training Plan for Council CAO Office, Corporate Performance Division Council April 3, 2023 April 3, 2023 Click or tap to enter a date. Members of Council 1. Legislative or Administrative Authority: Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #57: "We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties, and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal - Crown relations. This will require skills -based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti -racism." 2. Purpose: To support Members of Council in recognizing, understanding, and addressing racism and discrimination. 3. Scope: All Members of Council, within the first 18 months of each Term of Council. 4. Definitions: All definitions shared from Ontario Human Rights Commission's Glossary of Terms Aboriginal Peoples: a collective name for the original people of North America and their descendants. The Canadian Constitution (the Constitution Act, 1982) recognizes Page 1 of 4 Council Policy Clarboon If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 three groups of Aboriginal Peoples — First Nations, Metis, and Inuit — as separate peoples with unique heritages, languages, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs. Note, this term is no longer widely used. Accessibility: a general term for the degree of ease that something (e.g., device, service, physical environment, and information) can be accessed, used, and enjoyed by persons with disabilities. The term implies conscious planning, design and/or effort to make sure something is barrier -free to persons with disabilities. Accessibility also benefits the general population, by making things more usable and practical for everyone, including older people and families with small children. Anti -Racism: an active and consistent process of change to eliminate individual, institutional, and systemic racism as well as the oppression and injustice racism causes. Cultural competence: an ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures, particularly in human resources, non-profit organizations, and government agencies whose employees work with persons from different cultural/ethnic backgrounds. Cultural competence has four components: 1. Awareness of one's own cultural worldview 2. Attitude towards cultural differences 3. Knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews 4. Cross-cultural skills (developing cultural competence results in an ability to understand, communicate with and effectively interact with people across cultures. Diversity: the presence of a wide range of human qualities and attributes within an individual, group, or organization. Diversity includes such factors as age, sex, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, physical and intellectual ability, religion, sexual orientation, educational background, and expertise. Equity: fairness, impartiality, even-handedness. A distinct process of recognizing differences within groups of individuals and using this understanding to achieve substantive equality in all aspects of a person's life. Gender identity: a person's conscious sense of maleness and/or femaleness. This sense of self is separate and distinct from one's biological sex. Page 2 of 4 Council Policy Clarboon If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 Inclusion: appreciating and using our unique differences — strengths, talents, weaknesses, and frailties — in a way that shows respect for the individual and ultimately creates a dynamic multi -dimensional organization. Indigenous: generally used in the international context, refers to peoples who are original to a particular land or territory. This term is very similar to "Aboriginal" and has a positive connotation. Systemic barrier: a barrier embedded in the social or administrative structures of an organization, including the physical accessibility of an organization, organizational policies, practices and decision -making processes, or the culture of an organization. These may appear neutral on the surface but exclude members of groups protected by the Human Rights Code. Systemic discrimination: patterns of behaviour, policies or practices that are part of the social or administrative structures of an organization, and which create or perpetuate a position of relative disadvantage for groups identified under the Human Rights Code. 5. Policy Requirements: The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti -Racism and Accessibility (IDEAA) training plan would be offered in a phased approach over the first 18 months of each Term of Council in a variety of formats including in -person, self -directed online learning, and virtual. After completing the IDEAA training program, returning Members of Council will be provided with any updated training material for review, but will not be required to retake the training sessions. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to, Indigenous Cultural Awareness, Anti - Racism, Gender Diversity, Unconscious Bias, Cultural Competency, and Accessibility. 6. Roles and Responsibilities: Council is responsible for: Attending and actively participating in scheduled training sessions and self -directed learning. Page 3 of 4 Council Policy Cladwoon If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 7. Related Documents: Not applicable 8. Inquiries: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti -Racism Officer, diversity(a-clarington.net 9. Revision History: Date Description of Changes Approved By Page 4 of 4