The Township of West Lincoln acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee and the Hatiwendaronk and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The Township of West Lincoln also acknowledges that the Indigenous worldviews varies from nation to nation and from historic to present and will update this page as new understandings are evolved.
Land Acknowledgement |
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The Township of West Lincoln recognizes land acknowledgements as part of reconciliation and recognizing the traditional or treaty territories of Indigenous peoples. The statements are typically made at the introduction of meetings, gatherings, events, or presentations. The following statements are used by the Township of West Lincoln, in collaboration with partners in the Niagara Region, and these statements can be used by other local organizations for similar purposes. SHORT VERSION(Can be read at the beginning of meetings, presentations, or gatherings) LONG VERSION(Can be used for official openings, large public gatherings, and at any event when a prominent Indigenous person (Chief or Band Councillor), or political representative of the Provincial or Federal government is present.) As we take a moment today to reflect on the importance of the land on which we gather, our provider and sustainer, we look to understand the history of the land. The Township of West Lincoln is situated on treaty land. These lands are steeped in the rich history of the First Nations such as the Hatiwendaronk, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe, including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Intended to guide the relationship between the First Nations and Europeans, the Two Row Wampum is an important symbol of everlasting equality, peace, and friendship. It remains the foundation upon which Canada was built, and we recognize that this mutually respectful relationship between nations is essential for reconciliation today. There are many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit from across Turtle Island that live and work in Niagara today. The Regional Municipality of Niagara stands with all Indigenous peoples, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live. We recognize that we must do more to learn about the history and current situation of Indigenous people. This will help us better understand our roles and take responsibility towards reconciliation as treaty people, residents, and caretakers. |
Indigenous History in Niagara |
Recognizing TreatiesNiagara has been a key meeting place for many Nations over thousands of years. Ongoing land disputes and historical discrepancies have created challenges in recognizing the current treaty rights of First Nations. Although First Nations and the Crown signed treaties, there are still treaty claims before the courts. Niagara Region acknowledges the significance of Indigenous Treaty Rights as protected under the Canadian Constitution. Recognizing PeoplesScholars are still conducting research into the First Nations that lived in Niagara but don't have a presence here today. One of these Nations is the Hatiwendaronk, known previously as the Neutral Nation, Attawandaron or Chonnonton. Scholars are continuing to understand the accurate name of this Nation.The Nations that share territory lands in present-day Niagara include:
Two Row WampumIn 1613, the Dutch and the Haudenosaunee created an agreement known as the Two Row Wampum. This Wampum is the oldest recorded agreement between Indigenous people and new settlers from Europe. It covers the land we recognize as Niagara today. Wampums are visual memory keepers that help record history and communicate ideas. Beaded patterns represent a person, nation, event, invitation, shared values and understandings/agreements between two or more parties. The Haudenosaunee used traditional Wampum belts as covenants and petitions for understanding. They used the words spoken during an agreement to make the Wampum. The Wampum was used for ceremony, teaching, and reminders of law and values, according to the Museum of Ontario Archaeology. The Two Row Wampum has two purple rows surrounded by three white rows. One purple row represents the ship of the Dutch. The other purple row is the Haudenosaunee canoe. Each row is travelling down the river of life side by side. Neither is trying to steer the other's boat. The three white rows represent the three principles of the treaty: peace, respect, and friendship between the two people in an agreement that will last forever. |
National Indigenous History Month & National Indigenous Peoples Day |
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June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a month to take time and recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year. The Township of West Lincoln joins the Government of Canada in recognizing First Nations, Inuit and Métis as the Indigenous Peoples in Canada, with unique cultures, traditions, communities and histories. We encourage everyone to take this opportunity to explore the history, languages, cultures, and experiences of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Learn about First Nations across CanadaLearn about Inuit across CanadaLearn about Métis across Canada |
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation |
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The federal government was called upon, in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, to establish a statutory holiday to honour Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process. September 30, 2021, marked the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (coinciding with National Orange Shirt Day). The Township of West Lincoln is committed to reconciliation and ensuring that the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is never forgotten. |
Orange Shirt Day |
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September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots movement inspired by the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, a residential school survivor. At the age of 6, Phyllis went to the St. Joseph Mission Indian Residential School wearing the bright-orange shirt bought by her grandmother. She said she felt "bright and exciting," just like her shirt. But on the first day of school, her new shirt was forcibly taken from her, along with her dignity. This story is one of the many examples of harm that was inflicted upon the self-esteem and well-being of children who were forced to attend residential schools. Today, we acknowledge the denial of the rights of Indigenous Peoples, the wrongdoings of the past, and the present-day impacts across generations, including the trauma carried by survivors and their families. Learning about the impacts that it has had on generations of Indigenous families, languages and cultures, lies at the heart of reconciliation between Indigenous peoples who attended these schools, their families and communities, and all Canadians. Township of West Lincoln residents are encouraged to come together in a spirit of reconciliation and hope, to honour the Indigenous children stolen from their families by wearing the colour orange on September 30. |
Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Calls to Action |
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Recent discoveries of remains and unmarked graves across Canada have led to increased calls to address the recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action. The Canadian Government established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2008. Its primary purpose is to document the history and impacts of the Canadian Residential School System. Truth and Reconciliation reveals the long and painful history behind Canada’s treatment of Indigenous peoples. On June 2, 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Committee released its final report that included 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian Reconciliation. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada was constituted and created by the Indian Residential Schools Settlement agreement and the Commission spent six years travelling across the country to hear the stories of survivors and their families. All Canadians and all orders of Government have a role to play in Reconciliation. The TRC’s 94 Calls to Action are addressed primarily to the federal, provincial, and territorial governments but also to municipal governments, the corporate sector, and the broader Canadian society. They cover a wide range of government responsibilities, including child welfare, education, language and culture, health, justice, commemoration, museums and archives, training for public servants, and a number of specific initiatives related to Reconciliation. |
Organizations and Resources |
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