Kitchener rests on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Neutral peoples. Each group has a distinct culture, language, and traditions, which have been an essential part of this land for countless generations.
At the City of Kitchener, Council members and staff are committed to furthering our understanding of the history and current reality of Indigenous peoples and addressing the deep-rooted, systemic anti-Indigenous racism that exists today. The work of reconciliation is complicated, challenging and requires a critical eye on how power is distributed in organizations and embedded within structures.
The City of Kitchener’s vision is one of building a city for everyone where, together, we take care of the world around us – and each other. In 2019, we committed ourselves to responding to Call to Action #57 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which began with the launch of intercultural competency training focusing on history, treaties, legislation and impact on First Nations, Metis and Inuit. In addition to staff training, we have launched programming around days of significance, such as the development of learning toolkits and resources for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
We recognize that reconciliation entails adopting various approaches, such as the way we plan our parks and open spaces; whom we support with grant funding; how we design our training; and how we make decisions regarding our street and place names.
Through engagement and discussions with Indigenous communities, we learned that outdoor gathering space for Indigenous communities is needed in parks. This space should be a safe and welcoming space where community, especially Indigenous communities, can gather for ceremonies and to celebrate cultural traditions.
Building dedicated gathering spaces is a high priority for us and that’s why we’re working to transform Huron Natural Area into a space that represents Indigenous communities, arts and culture.
We have also grown the size of the RISE Fund that is supporting Indigenous communities, amongst others. The fund is a community grant that provides support for Black, Indigenous and racialized community-led organizations, programs, initiatives or events meant to decrease inequities and increase opportunities and well-being for those same communities in Kitchener.
We acknowledge that we still have a long way to go toward reconciliation and eliminating discrimination against Indigenous people. I urge all Kitchener residents to recognize National Indigenous History Month by learning about the history of Indigenous peoples. We need to reflect on the tragic facts of the Residential School system and acknowledge their presence in contemporary history. Each of us can do our part by committing to learning more, attending a local event, supporting an Indigenous business or artist or making a donation to a local Indigenous organization.
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic on behalf of Kitchener Council