Why This Matters:
Indigenous people have lived on the land now known as Simcoe County for thousands of years. The area is rich with Indigenous history and continues to have strong Indigenous communities within the area.
There are several documents and resources available that outline the intentional harms brought upon Indigenous people and steps individuals and communities can take to support the rights and autonomy of Indigenous people.
In June 2006, the United Nations’ Human Rights Council adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. It emphasizes the rights of Indigenous peoples to maintain and strengthen their own institutions, cultures and traditions and to pursue their development in keeping with their own needs and aspirations. It establishes an important standard for eliminating human rights violations against indigenous peoples worldwide and for combating discrimination and marginalization.
Below, we have provided many resources to help you better understand the history and harms as well as next steps you as a councillor and council can take to build respectful and healthy relationships with Indigenous people within your community and throughout the region.
There are several documents and resources available that outline the intentional harms brought upon Indigenous people and steps individuals and communities can take to support the rights and autonomy of Indigenous people.
In June 2006, the United Nations’ Human Rights Council adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. It emphasizes the rights of Indigenous peoples to maintain and strengthen their own institutions, cultures and traditions and to pursue their development in keeping with their own needs and aspirations. It establishes an important standard for eliminating human rights violations against indigenous peoples worldwide and for combating discrimination and marginalization.
Below, we have provided many resources to help you better understand the history and harms as well as next steps you as a councillor and council can take to build respectful and healthy relationships with Indigenous people within your community and throughout the region.
What You Can Do As A Municipal Leader:
- Address Indigenous housing and homelessness in partnership with Indigenous leaders, First Nations communities, housing providers, and all levels of government.
- Inform yourself about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. The Association of Municipalities Ontario has several resources to help municipal leaders in this area.
- Become informed about local treaties, local First Nation councils and friendship centres
- Understand the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP) and how municipal councils can use that framework to build relationships with Indigenous communities.
- Contact local FN councils, friendship centres and Indigenous community leaders to better understand local needs and opportunities for collaboration and support.