The Township of Whitewater Region will read a land acknowledgement statement at the start of all future council meetings.
Council voted in favour to read the statement, which acknowledges on behalf of council and the community they are meeting on the traditional territory of the Algonquin People.
The land acknowledgement statement would also thank the Algonquin People and express respect and support for their rich history.
The wording will be based on what’s used by the County of Renfrew and would also show gratitude for the many and continued displays of friendship and thank all the generations of people who have taken care of this land for thousands of years.
In the report presented to Whitewater council on June 16th, 2021, it says land acknowledgments are not meant to:
- threaten or alienate non-Indigenous or Indigenous people
- speak for or represent Indigenous communities
- appropriate Indigenous ideas and knowledge
- be the only action we take towards truth and reconciliation.
Whitewater Region Mayor Michael Moore will start reading the Land Acknowledgement statement at the next council meeting (July 7th, 2021) and staff will add a version to the website.
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