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4 @ FP - Halton Hils | Thursday, July 1, 2021 | Ld pa n Th ACKNOWLEDGMENT ‘WONDERFUL THING’, SAYS FIRST NATIONS COORDINATOR mntinued from page 1 Cor recognizing Halton Hills is with- in the Treaty Lands and Territo- ry of the Mississaugas of the Cre “ttt is important that we recog- nize this and build relationships i ”" said 5 $ § 5 3 & w Ee While the land acknowledg- ment recognizes the treaty hold- ers, there is still work to be done. “The “This is one piece of a much larg- er Truth and Reconciliation plan." While the Mississaugas of the Credit are the treaty holders of much of southern Ontario, their traditional territory is along the north shore of Georgian Bay. "I think it's a wonderful thing that people are now acknowledg- ing the people that lived on the land long ago," said Darin Wy- benga, traditional Imowledge land is the very first step on a very eod, se. culture specialist TheJune my acknowledgement uses language recommended bya document on the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation's website, but McLeod said, considering the complicated history of southern Ontario, the land acknowledge transform over time. "It's a very long process, the very first step is recognizing the Treaty Lands," McLeod said. and lan Mississaugas of the Credit 1 First tion. "I like to think we are a foun- ding people," Wybenga said. "The French, the British, but what about the First Nations? We are e original people.” Wybenga noted though his First Nation holds the treaty, tra- ditionally the area was inhabited by the Huron-Wendat and the Haudenosaunee. While all levels of government make efforts toward reconcilia- tion, Wybenga said the responsi- bility also falls to individuals. “This is one piece of a much larger Truth and Reconciliation plan.” - Catherine McLeod, senior arts and culture specialist for the Town “If we leave it to government responsibility — I don't think it'll ever get done," Wybenga said. “It's up to every individual per- son in the treaty lands to under- stand whose lands they live on, the history of the people who live gene and the treaty relation- s that went on and to try to reconcile the two groups as we move forward in history.” rr Jody Harbour the land ac- knowin helps to make people more conscious of the land. “(Land woman. "People are waking to the fact that when they come together, they should acknowledge where they're com- ing from.” Harbour is one of the founders of Grandmother's Voice, an Hal- ee andunderstandingot indie. and practices. “As these truths are coming out about how Canada became Canada, people can now under- stand why our communities of Indigenous people are the way they are,” Harbour said. \"Equi- ty, diversity, and inclusion — it was already here before people came over on the boats." STORY BEHIND THE STO- RY: The recently-implemented land acknowledgement at Halton Hills town council meetings rec- ognizes the treaty lands of the Darin Wybenga photo nothing to do with vetoistine but the real spirit of the people and of the earth," said Harbour, a “<1 DOOR Quantities are limited. While supplies last. $149.99 ‘ ca) $4.99 ~ortable Tailgater Grill ‘The bigger brother of the Taigater GT. Buzz Zapper Tis chareoe iets up uk ce Electric Fly Sw easiy, , and cool to : ‘igh at vere, oles ous Hesediel bog zepper a batteries, 2.2 Ib bag 100 natural lum con Routes batteries (no included). 4770202 Was $249.99 2058371 Was $10.99 $6.99 $4.99 — Treg $9.99 = i ) 36-In, Pick Up/ Zax C)) 5-Pk. Large Nitrile Palm Gloves Reach Tool Bé@RPEE. BUSTERS and fingers for maximum dexterity and tactiit. atic or ~ sisoz0a Was $13.99 Leathertown ‘LUMBER | 3980141 Was $15.99 chlstle building ce’ theifp.ca Mon-Fri 2353 8879942 Was $9.99 264 Main St. North ea) Ontario 9 wanieeiotontunestce Phy; pple 1970 Fax:51 + banat ce = Saturday 8am - 4pm Sunday ‘CLOSED We wanted to find out how residents and officials feel about this action and what it means toward reconciliation. Darin Wybenga, traditional knowledge and land use coordinator for the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. TED ARNOTT, MPP WELLINGTON-HALTON HILLS As always, weke here to help igh Call: 1-800-265-2366 Email: ted.arnottco@pc.ola.org WITH THIS COUPON REDEEM naturallyfresh.ca © 416-809-6497 158 Guelph St. Georgetown “This coupon is valid until July 31,2021 ‘CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS. LIMIT ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER, FEE. 2 2 oS Fa een wees es eee