Acknowledging the land is an Indigenous tradition used to express gratitude to those who reside there, and to respect and honour the Indigenous people who have lived and worked on this land historically and presently.
The Municipality of Whitestone understands and accepts the need to honour and embrace the principles of Truth and Reconciliation with Canada's Indigenous population, as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report.
Reciting an Indigenous Land Acknowledgement Statement is a regular reminder of the Municipality's respect, recognition and appreciation of Indigenous peoples, practices and culture. When a land acknowledgement statement is being given, it is an opportunity for the Municipality of Whitestone Council, ratepayers and staff to pause and reflect. Before the selection of the statement, the Municipality communicated with local First Nations communities and received feedback on the development of the land acknowledgement statement chosen.
The Indigenous Land Acknowledgement Statement is as follows:
'The Municipality of Whitestone recognizes all of Canada resides on traditional, unceded and/or treaty lands of the Indigenous People of Turtle Island.
We recognize our Municipality on The Robinson Huron Treaty territory is home to many past, present and future Indigenous families.
This acknowledgment of the land is a declaration of our commitment and collective responsibility to reconcile the past, and to honour and value the culture, history and relationships we have with one another’
It is encouraged be shared in the following circumstances:
- Council and Committee Meetings
- Municipality of Whitestone Special Events
This is one step to bringing attention and showing respect to the Indigenous peoples who first lived – and currently live – on the land where we live, work and play.
Our plans to reconcile with Canada's Indigenous people doesn’t stop there. We are taking action to educate our employees and Council with Cultural Competency Training. Reconciliation is a process that evolves as we gain new insights and will be explored on a regular basis to ensure we are doing our best to meet the needs of our community.
We thank the Parry Sound Friendship Centre and other local Indigenous groups in helping us develop our Land Acknowledgement statement. Many healthy living centered programs and support are available from the Parry Sound Friendship Centre for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.