The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee People’s.

We recognize our responsibility to serve as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Metis and Inuit in Kitchener today.

On this page:

  1. Background
  2. Indigenous-led Community Initiatives
  3. Indigenous-centred Corporate Programs & Practices
  4. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
  5. Indigenous outreach and engagement at Huron Natural Area
  6. O:se Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp
  7. Indigenous communities use of space
  8. Reconciliation Action Partnership
  9. Local Indigenous organizations
  10. Grants for Indigenous Initiatives

Background

In June 2015, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its findings and 94 Calls to Action to redress the residential schools legacy and advance the reconciliation process in Canada. The Calls to Action are directed at all levels of government, the private sector and to Canadians as a whole.

In 2019, Kitchener City Council directed staff to implement the Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action starting with two priorities:

  1. Introduce a territorial acknowledgement at the commencement of Council to signal a commitment to responding to the Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action and to demonstrate respect for the ongoing relationships we are building, and
  2. Develop and implement a training program for staff and council that will increase Indigenous competency at an organizational level, resulting in improved customer service and increased capacity of non-Indigenous staff across the organization to work respectfully and appropriately on Indigenous initiatives in a municipal context.

In August 2020, Kitchener council approved a report that outlines next steps in the reconciliation journey, including:

  1. development of a Reconciliation Action Plan
  2. investigate and develop a policy to support the access and use of public spaces by Indigenous peoples to carry out cultural and ceremonial practices
  3. until a policy is developed, all fees associated with rentals for space associated with Indigenous events are being waived

Indigenous-led Community Initiatives

City staff continue to collaborate with Rights Holders and urban Indigenous communities to produce initiatives that meaningfully incorporate Indigenous values, histories, cultures, rights, and worldviews.  

Every Child Matters Crosswalk

In September 2022, a resident-led vision for Every Child Matters Crosswalk came to life through the LoveMyHood matching grant. A ceremony was held to unveil the crosswalk at Victoria Park, with representatives from the Orange Shirt Society, members of city council, and community members in attendance. During the ceremony, drums played as residents walked through Victoria Park, passing orange ribbons tied to lamp posts and orange footprints painted along the trails leading to the new tribute crosswalk. Sheena Merling, Bin-no-g Man-na-doe Quay – Spirit of the Children, resident lead of this tribute, was among those who spoke at the ceremony. This tribute is one way to create a lasting memorial in memory of the children who lost their lives in residential schools. Learn more on the LoveMyHood blog. 

Huron Natural Area

Huron Natural Area has evidence of Indigenous settlement dating back hundreds of years. Staff worked with Indigenous communities to ensure that Huron Natural Area is a safe, welcoming space for Indigenous people to celebrate culture, heritage and gathering today. The city worked with local Indigenous Artists to create new wayfinding signs and trail names in traditional languages. The goal is to create an outdoor space that feels welcoming to Indigenous organizations, Indigenous student centres and Indigenous community members looking to host ceremonies, events, or gatherings. Looking ahead to 2025, we are continuing to explore a co-management approach for the land at the Huron Natural Area, which will align with the establishment of permanent Indigenous space. 

Wiijindamaan Project

The Wiijindamaan project, located within the Pioneer Tower Natural Area, includes community partners such as the Wisahketowinowak Urban Indigenous Garden Collective and White Owl Native Ancestry Association. Efforts to advance this project and build relationships are progressing well. Regular project workdays and gatherings on the land have happened in support of the continued establishment of the food gardens, a food forest, and habitat restoration efforts. Several workshops led by Indigenous student researchers have also taken place, along with an immersive, week-long culture camp.   

Indigenous-centred Corporate Programs & Practices

City staff continue to coordinate efforts to support Indigenous-centred initiatives across Kitchener. 

Water Stewardship Project

Staff are consulting and engaging closely with the Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to integrate Rights Holders’s priorities and knowledge into the design and construction of a multi-year corporate stormwater management initiative aimed at reducing flood risk and improving water quality. Staff are focusing on bringing relationship-building and reciprocity into the engagement process and share findings with other departments and divisions to reduce the burden of consultation and engagement on Indigenous Rights Holders. By improving water quality and aquatic habitat in Kitchener’s creeks and planting native species and culturally important species on landsalong the creeks and in parks, we work towards fulfilling treaty responsibilities to protect and restore the waters and lands we share.  

Places & Spaces

Staff working on the Places and Spaces plan engaged with Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Six Nations of the Grand River. Staff garnered insight and knowledge through conversations on topics like naturalization, gathering spaces, and future interest in park-related developments near the Grand River. Feedback from urban Indigenous communities and organizations, gathered from Permanent Indigenous Spaces engagements, was also applied to the Places and Spaces plan. Learn more on Engage Kitchener. 

Hiring & supporting a role dedicated to Indigenous Relations  

The City has worked with the Region’s Reconciliation Action Partnership (RAP) and the City’s Equity, and Anti-Racism Advisory Committee to revise the Senior Indigenous Relations Advisor role. The position will be filled in early 2025 and will focus on building and strengthening meaningful and respectful relationships with Indigenous people as Kitchener develops a path to understanding, healing, and reconciliation.  

Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex

Kitchener is currently building a new indoor recreation complex at RBJ Schlegel Park to meet a variety of community needs. City staff have met with the Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to review the project and hear their feedback and concerns.  

Learn more at Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex 

Staff Education & Training

In 2019, we committed to respond to the Calls to Action from the Truth & Reconciliation Commission, which began with the launch of intercultural competency training for staff with a focus on history, treaties, legislation and impact on First Nations, Metis and Inuit. Programming continues to expand to help non-Indigenous (settler) staff better understand Indigenous cultures, traditions, values, knowledge, histories, treaties, rights, and laws through the City’s 2025 training catalogue.  

Indigenous Communities Use of Space

We're working with the City of Waterloo to make it easier for Indigenous communities to access public spaces to celebrate their culture and ceremony. 

Rental fees for city spaces will be waived for Indigenous cultural and ceremonial events. 

Learn more on our Indigenous communities use of space page. 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The City of Kitchener observed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30, 2024. The city is working with municipal partners and local Indigenous communities to move towards reconciliation and commit to continued learning. Reconciliation is a deliberate and intentional process that will require significant work and time. Council is committed to deepening the City’s understanding of the history and current realities of Indigenous peoples, and addressing longstanding, systemic anti-Indigenous racism in our community and our organization. 

Read more: Indigenous Initiatives: Observance of National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. 

Indigenous outreach and engagement at Huron Natural Area

This Indigenous-led, city supported project will take place within the Huron Natural Area and focus on gathering input about access and use of parks and feedback from local First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

Through this work, we are trying to better understand how parkland can become part of the everyday experience of and be reflective of the urban Indigenous population. We will explore areas of cultural ceremony and celebration, stewardship and land restoration and education and learning through events, activities, art, and various festivals.

More project updates and details will be shared shortly. If you would like more information, send us an email.

Visit our Indigenous Engagement in Parks and Open Spaces page to learn more.

O:se Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp

Members of the local Indigenous community gathered on lands within Victoria Park in June 2020. In October 2020, members of the O:se Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp relocated to Waterloo Park and retired the camp in December 2020. Both Victoria and Waterloo Park hold an important place in local Indigenous history and traditions.

Known as the O:se Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp, this group of Indigenous people is gathering peacefully in solidarity and celebration, and to advance reconciliation actions.

For more information please visit the O:se Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp Facebook page.

Indigenous communities use of space

We're working with the City of Waterloo to make it easier for Indigenous communities to access public spaces to celebrate their culture and ceremony.

We're waiving rental-related fees for using city spaces for eligible Indigenous cultural and ceremonial events.

Learn more on our Indigenous communities use of space page.

Reconciliation Action Partnership

The Reconciliation Action Partnership (RAP) is a collaborative group of municipal representatives working together to support Indigenous-centred initiatives across Waterloo Region. Municipalities have the opportunity and responsibility to contribute to reconciliation with Indigenous communities, as this work connects land, people and governance. Our staff participate in this partnership as well as several of its sub-committees. 

The goal of this work is to improve and enhance service delivery to Indigenous Peoples in Waterloo Region, develop respectful relationships with Indigenous communities to meaningfully support Indigenous-led work, and build a more inclusive community and municipal workplace. 

Local Indigenous Organizations (may need updating) 

There are many local Indigenous organizations you can support. We encourage you to visit their websites, follow them, and support them. Some will be accepting donations, others will not, but it’s important to get familiar with local Indigenous groups, communities and organizations.  

Donations can be provided to the organizations listed below. Many of these are national-level organizations, with several being youth-led or survivor-led. All are focused on protecting Indigenous peoples, cultures and histories. 

Local Indigenous organizations

There are many local Indigenous organizations you can support. We encourage you to visit their websites, follow them, support them, and listen to their calls for help and donations. Many Indigenous community members and members of these organizations are working through a time of mourning. Some will be accepting donations, others will not, but it’s important to get familiar with local Indigenous groups, communities and organizations. 

We also encourage you to donate to the organizations listed below. Many of these are national-level organizations, many are youth-led or survivor-led. All are focused on protecting Indigenous peoples, Indigenous cultures and Indigenous histories.

Grants for Indigenous Initiatives 

Through the City’s grant programs, including Community Grants, the RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity, and the LoveMyHood matching grant, funding has been given to Indigenous-led or Indigenous-centered organizations and projects, supporting a range of initiatives, programs, and events.  

 Crow Shield Lodge 
Learn about Crow Shield Lodge.

Fall 2022 RISE Fund

The Awareness Series Project seeks funding to reduce inequities and enhance well-being for Indigenous community members in Kitchener-Waterloo. It includes a public event with Elders on cultural appropriateness, staff training on cultural sensitivity, and the launch of Pathways2Culture, a program showcasing Indigenous cultural revitalization stories. The funding will support event costs, training, and program development. 

Funding received: $2,689 

 

2023 Tier 2 Community Grant  

Crow Shield Lodge received funding in support of their Mentorship Program, which will build capacity by bringing in knowledge keepers to provide earth-based cultural teachings and training for local Indigenous Peoples in our community.  

Funding received: $5,000 

 

Spring 2023 RISE Fund 

This funding request supported Crow Shield Lodge’s efforts to expand programming that strengthens connections between the local Indigenous community and the land. It will cover staffing, supplies, and office rental costs, enabling traditional healing and culture-oriented programs. The initiative aims to promote healing, community growth, and intergenerational well-being while fostering a culturally grounded connection to nature. 

Funding received: $9,327.4

 

2024 Tier 2 Community Grant  

This funding supported the Urban Indigenous Youth Culture Camp in 2024, where Elders and youth can come together on the land to learn traditional ways. 

Funding received: $4,000

 

Spring 2024 RISE Fund 

This funding aimed to expand Indigenous Youth Culture Camps, offering more land-based opportunities for youth to connect with the land, learn from Elders, and engage in cultural practices. Partnering with organizations like the YMCA of Three Rivers and Pfenning's Organic Farm, the program seeks to provide culturally relevant camps, expand facilities, and strengthen community ties while promoting reconciliation with the non-Indigenous community. 

Funding received: $5,000 
 K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project 
Spring 2024 RISE Fund 

This funding proposal aimed to expand culturally centered programs that support Indigenous residents and staff. The programs focus on preserving cultural heritage while offering life skills like computer literacy, language classes, and traditional cooking. Through workshops and cultural events, participants strengthen their identity and gain skills for transitioning to permanent housing, with ongoing program evaluation to ensure long-term success. 

Funding received: $10,000 
 Maada’oonidiwag
Spring 2022 RISE Fund

The Maada’oonidiwag Mentorship Program received funding to support four individuals in the tri-city area learning traditional Indigenous dance. This 10-week program pairs participants with Indigenous knowledge carriers for mentorship in dance, cultural teachings, and regalia creation. It focuses on individuals facing barriers, including those with foster care experience, Afro-Indigenous, 2Spirit LGBTQ+, and sobriety seekers, fostering community engagement, cultural preservation, and empowerment. 

Funding received: $8,000 
 O:se Kenhionhata:tie (Land Back Camp) 
Learn more about O:se Kenhionhata:tie (Land Back Camp).
2022 LoveMyHood matching grant 

Recollections and Imaginings: This project, led by a collective of Indigenous leaders from Land Back Camp and allies, aimed to use storytelling and art to inspire civic engagement and envision a better future for the Charles Street Terminal site. In partnership with local businesses, the team collected public stories, compensating contributors, and created a short film as the centerpiece of the initiative. The project culminated in film screenings designed to generate meaningful community discussions about the site’s future, offering an innovative and inclusive alternative to traditional consultations. 

Funding received: $2,900 

Fall 2023 RISE Fund

This funding request was for a Winter Solstice celebration hosted by Land Back Camp on December 20, 2023, at the Pavilion, 80 Schneider Ave. The event, open to the broader Black, Indigenous, Racialized, Queer, and grassroots communities, will feature a feast catered by an Indigenous family-owned business, live music, and a ceremony including a giveaway (potlatch), drum circle, smudge, and words from an Elder. 

Funding received: $5,000 
 K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project
Spring 2024 RISE Fund

This funding proposal aimed to expand culturally centered programs that support Indigenous residents and staff. The programs focus on preserving cultural heritage while offering life skills like computer literacy, language classes, and traditional cooking. Through workshops and cultural events, participants strengthen their identity and gain skills for transitioning to permanent housing, with ongoing program evaluation to ensure long-term success. 

Funding received: $10,000 
 Grand River Collegiate
2023 LoveMyHood matching grant

Grand River Collegiate Healing Forest: As part of the renaming of Indian Road and in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Report's calls to action, this project aimed to create a healing forest walk in partnership with the Canadian Healing Forest Initiative. The initiative intended to install commemorative information, Indigenous medicinal plantings and native trees, and a pathway across the front of Grand River Collegiate Institute. Designed for both school and community use, the project sought to honour reconciliation and provide a space for reflection and learning. 

Funding received: $10,000 
Every Child Matters Crosswalk Committee

Learn more about Every Child Matters Crosswalk Committee.

2022 LoveMyHood matching grant 

Honorary Crosswalk for Every Child Matters: This initiative aimed to honour children lost to Residential schools and those living with generational trauma. The tribute included installing an officially endorsed Every Child Matters thermoplastic crosswalk at Water Street and Jubilee Drive in Victoria Park, painting orange footprints along the trails representing children who died in Residential schools, and hosting an unveiling ceremony timed with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The initiative also fostered community education, engagement, and healing while building relationships with Indigenous organizations, schools, churches, and local residents. 

Funding received: $11,500 
Expanding Our Relations Project Group 

2021 LoveMyHood matching grant

Indigenous Placemaking in the Park: This project aimed to enhance Uniroyal Goodrich Park through Indigenous placemaking by incorporating planting, art, and relationship-building initiatives. The plans included planting Indigenous trees, shrubs, and perennials, installing Indigenous art, and facilitating connections between park neighbours and Indigenous peoples. The overarching goal was to increase Indigenous representation in Kitchener's public spaces while fostering mutual understanding and community relationships. 

Funding received: $15,000 
Divest Waterloo Faith & the Common Good

Learn more about Divest Waterloo Faith & the Common Good. 

2019 Tier 2 Community Grant

The Divest Waterloo Faith & the Common Good initiative received funding to support the hosting of a week-long storytelling forum. This forum aims to engage a broad cross-section of people in a community-wide learning opportunity focused on the relationships between Settlers and Indigenous Peoples, as well as their shared connection to the land and one another. 

Funding received: $3,396

 

2020 Tier 2 Community Grant  

The Divest Waterloo Faith & the Common Good initiative received funding to assist with expenses for a concert series and land-based workshops in 2020. The initiative aimed to build and strengthen relationships between Settlers and Indigenous Peoples, while also deepening our collective relationship with the land. 

Funding received: $3,400 
Pins and Needles Fabric Company/Women Driven Inter-Arts

Learn more about Pins and Needles Fabric Company.

2020 Tier 2 Community Grant 

The grant funding for the 2020 Endaayaang Project in Waterloo region was assisted with expenses related to the development and execution of a tour highlighting Indigenous sites, created and led by Indigenous youth.  

Funding received: $3,500 
Backyard Theatre 

Learn more about Backyard Theatre.

2019 Tier 2 Community Grant

Backyard Theatre presented 16 performances of the original play, "The Other Side of the River", featuring local and national history at the Registry Theatre in October 2019. This project used original theatre to build better understanding in our region of our local and national history, highlighting our connection to the Six Nations. 

Funding received: $4,000 
Wisahkotewinowak Indigenous Garden Collective & White Owl Ancestry

2019 LoveMyHood matching grant

Wisahkotewinowak “Maple Syrup Celebration”: Wisahkotewinowak, an urban Indigenous food sovereignty project in the Wellington-Waterloo region, intended to host a maple sugar harvest celebration to empower and strengthen the urban Indigenous community. The project planned to engage residents in meaningful relationships to the land, as sites for storytelling, music, dance, traditional food, and demonstrations of both traditional and modern maple syrup boiling methods. By honouring the maple season—a time of ceremony and community connection after winter—the initiative aimed to build bridges with non-Indigenous neighbours while celebrating Indigenous culture and traditions. 

Funding received: $6,700