Territorial Acknowledgement
Wellbeing Waterloo Region has made a commitment to develop meaningful relationships and work toward reconciliation with local First Nations, Metis and Inuit community. Part of this commitment includes developing resources and tools to support education with our community partners. The First Nations, Metis, Inuit Advisory and Advocacy Circle of Wellbeing Waterloo Region was consulted in the development of the territorial acknowledgement we use today.
We acknowledge that the land on which we gather today is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Neutral People. We acknowledge the enduring presence of the Indigenous people with whom we share this land today, their achievements and their contributions to our community. We offer this acknowledgement as an act of reconciliation between Indigenous and non- Indigenous peoples of Canada.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day. To view our special edition newsletter for National Indigenous Peoples day, click here.
At this link you will find PDF posters for you to share widely with your networks. We also remind you that many First Nations, Metis and Inuit people will take Monday June 22, 2020 off to celebrate.
Table of Contents
Events and Initiatives
Check out our calendar and subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter for the most recent updates on Indigenous initiatives and events in our community.
View the Indigenous tag in our Events Blog for highlights from WWR and our partners.
People
Lois Macdonald — Program Elder
Lois Macdonald holds the role of Program Elder with Wellbeing Waterloo Region and is from Missanbie Cree First Nation. The Elder position carries the responsibility to ensure the WWR community remembers that we all have a shared responsibility where everyone is welcome and can belong.
First Nations, Métis, Inuit Advisory and Advocacy Circle
In collaboration with Indigenous leaders, the First Nations, Métis, Inuit Advisory and Advocacy Circle implements training, education, and tools to the working groups of WWR on Indigenous culture, history, and the impacts of colonization, while providing opportunities for reflection on how to work towards reconciliation.
Documents Repository
Territorial Acknowledgements
October, 2019
This document is one of Wellbeing Waterloo Region’s “living” (ever-changing) resources and tools to support education on acknowledging the land upon which we conduct ourselves with our community partners.
Offering Territorial Acknowledgements (PDF)
Indigenous Community Consultations
September, 2018
The purpose of the Indigenous Community Consultations report is to provide an overview of the issues and calls to action identified through the one-to-one meetings with Indigenous leaders and allies.
The Community Consultations report provides an overview of the realities and calls to action identified in 2018 through the one-to-one meetings with Indigenous leaders and allies. Many of the same themes (Attitudinal and systemic racism, gaps in training and opportunities, tokenism, resource scarcity, culturally appropriate care etc.) continue to this day.
Indigenous Community Consultations Report (PDF report)
Traditional Medicines
July, 2019
This document outlines some of the many traditional medicines used in Indigenous cultures, which may vary from Nation to Nation. Traditional medicine can integrate mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well being.
DRAFT – Traditional Medicines Information (PDF)
Important Links
Indigenous Focused Services
- List of Wellbeing Resources for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Residents of Waterloo Region (PDF document)
Educational Resources
- WLU’s Centre for Indigegogy
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- The Urban Indigenous Action Plan
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls – National Inquiry Documents
- First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework – Summary Report
- Indigenous Allyship: An Overview
- Understanding the History of the Indian Act
- Things You May Not Have Known About the Indian Act
- Defining “Rule of Law” in Canadian Law
- Guidelines for Territorial Acknowledgements before meetings
- Unreserved – The voice of Indigenous Canada
- The Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School Museum
- 21 Indigenous children living in communities across Canada
- National Film Board – Indigenous Voices and Reconciliation
- Literature and Reading
- Reconciliation and Canada’s Overdose Crisis: Responding to the Needs of Indigenous Peoples
- The Stranger – Story of Chanie Wenjack, by Gord Downie
- Video Series: The Equity Lens
- Proclaiming Our Roots