Erin council is considering having land and treaty acknowledgements for First Nations as part of the municipal process.
Council received a report from Heidi Matthews of the town’s Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee on Jan. 16.
The report recommends the town initiate a relationship with the Mississauga of New Credit First Nations and create a land acknowledgement appropriate for the town.
“A land acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous peoples and their traditional territories,” states the report.
It is an “expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on.”
In the report, Matthews explains Erin sits on Anishinaabe (which includes Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation), Haudenosaunee (also known as Six Nations) and Neutral peoples’ lands.
“Colonialism is a current ongoing process and we need to build our mindfulness of our present participation,” she states.
Matthews notes Guelph council started land acknowledgement in November and she suggests the town consult with Guelph as well as the Mississauga of New Credit First Nations.
“I’m supportive of moving forward with this, but I think one of the things we probably would need is something from staff to indicate what would the options be,” said councillor Jeff Duncan.
Councillor John Brennan said through Credit Valley Conservation, he has been consulting with Indigenous peoples on the future Credit Valley Trail.
“I do have some contacts, and I would be glad to work with staff to explore those contacts,” he said.
Brennan added he doesn’t want a land acknowledgement to become “another checklist item” on the agenda before each council meeting.
Councillor Matt Sammut agreed.
“Territorial acknowledgement, I think, is important … I’m not convinced that each council meeting should be starting off with something,” he said. “I think it should be more special.”
Mayor Allan Alls said he struggles with the request.
“I struggle with this because I’ve been in First Nations’ territories where they live now and we’re not doing much to help them there,” Alls said. “This, to me, I’ve seen it done, it’s lip service. It’s not meaningful in most respects.”
Council received the report for information and asked Brennan to reach out to his contacts.
