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Partnership Building with Indigenous Communities

Mid-Sized Cities Researcher + Practitioner RoundtableMay 16, 2018

Museum London, London, Ontario

Mid-Sized Cities Researcher &

Practioner Roundtable

Partnership Building with Indigenous Communities

Wednesday May 16th , 2018

Museum London

Presented by Sheri Doxtator, Doxtator Enterprises

Oneida Nation of the Thames

u  Located 10 minutes southwest of London, Ontario, Canada. There are three First Nations in this area: Chippewa, Munsee and Oneida (CMO territory)

u  6500 total registered on the “band list.” More citizens than that.

u  Two systems of governance: Hereditary and Elected

u  We are a Settlement and not a reserve nor reservation

Kaswentha – Two Row Wampum

u  The Haudenosaunee see the Two Row Wampum as a living treaty; a way that they have established for their people to live together in peace; that each nation will respect the ways of the other as they meet to discuss solutions to the issues that come before them.

Community Relations

u  Community Leadership Cabinet – Elgin-St. Thomas

u  Sheri Doxtator sits as a member of CLC Elgin St. Thomas

u  Includes community leaders in health, education, community safety and community services organizations

u  Our Mission    Working together to build a community where improved quality of life is planned, developed and championed

CLC St. Thomas-Elgin Selfie

How to establish connections with Indigenous communities:

u  Terminology: Indigenous Communities, First Nations, Nation or Nationhood

u  Attend Indigenous community events

u  Attend Indigenous-focused workshops/seminars

u  Attend networking events. This is a two-way street

u  Ask questions of various Indigenous people

u  Do your research and use Indigenous research materials or approved by Indigenous communities

u  Maintain and foster relationships with Indigenous Communities

u  Become an ally to Indigenous Peoples

YAWɅKO CHI MIIGWETCH

ANUSHIIK

URBAN INDIGENOUS STRATEGY

update

A JOURNEYIn December 2016, The City of Hamilton began work on developing an Urban Indigenous Strategy that will identify actions and strengthen the City’s relationship with the Indigenous community.

The Urban Indigenous Strategy is being developed in collaboration with Indigenous community partners and guided by principles that honour traditional knowledge, teachings and reciprocity.

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PHASE ONE ACTIVITIES

RESEARCH

Understanding the local focus on TRC Calls to Action. Also looked at practices in other municipalities.

RAISING AWARENESS

Online and in-person communications.

Many presentations and staff engagement.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

Outreach and relationship building through participation and partnership on community events.

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LEARNING IN PHASE ONE

Coordinating Circle hosted a Community Conversation on Reconciliation with Indigenous Community members on December 13, 2017.

A Use of Indigenous Medicines Policy has been developed to enable the burning of Indigenous medicines in City facilities.

"Need to break down barrier of mistrust

between the City and the Indigenous community"

Comment from Community Conversation Event, Dec. 13, 2017

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TO BUILD A STRONGER RELATIONSHIP

Comment from Community Conversation on Reconciliation

December 13, 2017

(REQUIRES) HONOURING VISIBILITY AND BUILDING TRUST WITH THE

INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY

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PHASES TWO AND THREE

current status and plans for final strategy

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PHASE TWO (JAN - AUG 2018)

Will focus on community engagement to explore the emerging themes of Land, People and Spirit, and gather feedback on how the City can take action in relation to these themes. Community events and a survey will be the main methods for reaching out to residents.

Senior leadership and staff will continue to work on how to address the themes, Calls to Action and the feedback from the engagement events.

"Education and reconciliation must

happen"Comment from Community Conversation Event, Dec. 13, 2017

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LAND

PEOPLE

SPIRIT

THIS THEME IS ABOUT

acknowledging and respecting the spiritual, mental, physical and emotional connections that Indigenous peoples have to land.

THIS THEME EXPLORES

how Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples build mutually respectful relationships in every day settings.

THIS THEME EMBODIES

how Indigenous contributions and experiences are honoured and commemorated in the City.

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PHASE THREE (SEP TO DEC 2018)

Will wrap up the development and prepare a final strategy for approval.

This includes using the analysis from Phase Two and reporting back to the community.

"The Indigenous community [is] becoming

more visible, showing their contributions and

pride"Comment from Community Conversation Event, Dec. 13, 2017

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NYA: WEH

H A M I L T O N . C A / I N D I G E N O U S

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Phil Monture, March 2010

Canada

“This is a time of real and positive change. We know what is needed is a total renewal of the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples. We have a plan to move towards a nation-to-nation relationship based on recognition, rights, respect, cooperation and partnership….” “And we will, in partnership, with indigenous communities, the provinces, territories, and other vital partners, fully implement the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, starting with the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” (UNDRIP)

Prime Minister Justine Trudeau: December 15, 2015

Ontario

To mirroring the Prime Minister of Canada’s December 15, 2015 commitment, the Premier of Ontario responded by sending letters to her Ministers on September 25, 2014 outlining priorities for each department, which included aboriginal priorities. One priority was that the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs will work across government to ensure that Aboriginal communities are engaged in resource-related economic development and will benefit from the natural resource industry. The Premier made a promise to engage with indigenous partners on approaches to enhance participation in the resource sector by improving the way resource benefits are shared and to work with the federal government to address the implementation of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

OntarioInstead the Province of Ontario sidestepped its legal duty to directly engage in meaningful consultation and accommodation by announcing the following policy:The Crown may delegate to a proponent certain aspect of consultation (e.g., to provide information regarding the proposal and gather information about the impact of a proposed project on potential or established Aboriginal or treaty rights). But the ultimate legal responsibility to meet the duty to consult lies with the Crown. Responsibilities of the third party will vary depending on a variety of factors including the nature of the consultation, the extent of consultation required in the circumstance and the procedural aspects of consultation the Crown has delegated to the third party. (Sept 2017)

Delegation of Provincial powers to MunicipalitiesThe Crown in Right of Ontario purports that insomuch as a municipality exercises governing powers pursuant to provincial legislation (Planning Act, Environmental Assessment Act, Conservation Authorities Act, Places to Grow Act, Ontario Planning and Development Act, etc.) including the Municipal Act 2001S.O 2001, c.25, it is also bound by consultation obligations as required by s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. This would include the adoption and implementation of an official plan or an amendment to an official plan; passage of a zoning by-law or an amendment to an existing by-law; plans of subdivision, condominium plans, site plans, corollary agreements such as site plan agreements, development agreements, subdivision agreements or amendments including severances, road closures and declaring lands surplus.

MunicipalitiesFurthermore, the duty for municipalities to consult with First Nations is displayed in the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS). The PPS states that “The Province recognizes the importance of consulting with Aboriginal communities on planning matters that may affect their rights and interests.” It also states in Section 4(3) that “This Provincial Policy Statement shall be implemented in a manner that is consistent with the recognition and affirmation of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.”Therefore, municipalities are required by Provincial Legislation to consult with Six Nations on all matters as referenced in the above paragraph. However, many municipalities within our Haldimand Treaty lands are not prepared or equipped to address this delegated responsibility of meaningful consultation and accommodation with the Six Nations.

Six Nations is Under Siege by DevelopmentThe Crown in Right of Ontario does not monitor if meaningful consultation and appropriate accommodation has taken place by municipalities with Six Nations per provincial legislation or policy. So, land use planning and development occurs with the indirect blessing of provincial legislation issuing the required permits and delegated authority to municipalities issuing much the same to third parties. The accumulated result of what is happening is the Six Nations Aboriginal and Treaty Rights are being “extinguished by small cuts”. Without the required meaningful consultation and accommodation occurring prior to all developments planned or otherwise, all developments within the Haldimand Treaty Lands are in breach of the existing policies and laws.

City of Thunder Bay

Aboriginal Liaison

Maamawe - All Together

Introduction

•  The Aboriginal Liaison is a Strategic Initiative of Council

•  Works inclusively with Urban Aboriginal Communities

•  Create a climate of mutual understanding •  Create better working relationships •  Identify gaps in services and programs

Mission

To enhance the well-being of Thunder Bay’s Aboriginal communities through the creation of a new civic relationship and partnership that promotes the full participation of Aboriginal citizens in the social, economic, political and cultural life of the community to improve the quality of life for all citizens in Thunder Bay.

Corporate Orientation and Training

•  The Maamawe Office is responsible for delivery of Corporate Orientation-Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training on a monthly basis for all new hires to the Corporation (12)

•  The Maamawe Office is responsible for delivery of this same orientation for all summer students (3)

•  The Maamawe Office is responsible for delivery of Corporate Orientation for non-affilitated staff scheduled for Saturdays (3)

•  The Maamawe Office is responsible for delivery of Cultural Awareness training and introduction of traditional Ojibwa games for summer parks programming as well as requests for training staff hired for the public swimming pools (4)

•  The Maamawe Office is responsible for delivery of Cultural Awareness Training for all new hires with Superior North EMS and Fire, one session per year for each (2)

Walk a Mile Facilitated Sessions

The City of Thunder Bay in 2014 made the Walk a Mile Film Project training for all staff throughout the Corporation At present there are approximately 700 employees who have gone through the training The Maamawe office has scheduled monthly Walk a Mile training sessions with Human Resources maximum number of staff per session is 20 to ensure the 4 hour training sessions are about having a conversation

Walk a Mile Facilitated Public Sessions

The Maamawe office has not only provided training using the Walk a Mile film project to City employees but also to a number of community groups and other interested organizations not only here in the City but throughout Ontario •  Canadian Roots Exchange (youth trainers going into First Nations Communities) • Thunder Bay Public Library (staff and public sessions) • Thunder Bay District Health Unit • Catholic Women’s League • Council of Clergies • NADVC (Naadmaagewin Aboriginal Domestic Violence Committee)

Walk a Mile Film Public Sessions

•  Thunder Bay Police Services Board •  Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs •  Ontario Ministry of Education •  Ontario Ministry of Safety and Community Corrections •  Ontario Ministry of Registrar General •  Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre •  Canadore College (North Bay) •  Board of Directors for United Way •  City of Thunder Bay Police (approximately 250 uniform and non-uniform

employees trained) •  Community Living Thunder Bay •  Children's Centre Thunder Bay (approximately 180 staff) •  Presented to the Management of

Internal Requests

The Maamawe office receives requests from departments throughout the Corporation •  Involved in the Wayfinding project •  First Nations and Metis Consultation Requests from different

divisions such as planning division and procurement, •  Guiding the Human Resources department as far as training

and changing the landscape for hiring •  Assisting in financial contribution to events being planned for

the Culture and Recreation Division for Thunder Bay.

Community Committee Participation

•  Elder’s Advisory Council •  AYARA – Aboriginal Youth Achievement and Recognition Awards •  CCUPCY – Community Coalition Unified for the Protection of Children and

Youth •  NADVC – Nadjmadjewan Aboriginal Domestic Violence Committee •  NIPD – National Indigenous Peoples Day •  Executive Committee on Aboriginal and Diversity Issues •  Incidence Reporting Sub-Committee Working Group •  Anti-Racism Indigenous Sub-committee – Anti-Racism Directorate Inclusion,

Diversity and Anti-Racism Division/The Cabinet Office •  MMIW

Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action

•  Language and Culture – Action 13 - We call upon the federal government to acknowledge that Aboriginal rights include Aboriginal language rights.

•  Settlement Agreement Parties and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – Action 48.2 – We call upon the church parties to the Settlement Agreement, and all other faith groups and interfaith social justice groups in Canada who have not already done so, to formally adopt and comply with the principles, norms, and standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation. This would include, but not be limited to, the following commitments:

Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action Cont’d

•  Professional Development and Training for Public Servants – Action 57 – We call upon federal, provincial , territorial, and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action

•  48.2 Respecting Indigenous peoples’ rights to self-determination in spiritual matters, including the right to practise, develop, and teach their own spiritual and religious traditions, customs and ceremonies, consistent with Article 12.1of the UN Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples

Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action

•  Professional Development and Training for Public Servants-57- We call upon federal ,provincial, territorial, & municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history &legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous law,& Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights,and anti-racism

Residential School Memorial

•  Sitting at the planning table for the Residential School Memorial for over 6 years

•  Was part of the Focus Group Sessions that were held in Thunder Bay and Ginoogaming First Nation

•  From the focus group meetings and the partnership with NAN the City's Maamawe office was responsible for all phases of the work done with the memorial

•  RIS Memorial working group had representatives from the Catholic District School Board, FWFN, Ginoogaming, Long Lake #58 and other community members

Residential School Monument

Sister Cities – Thunder Bay and Jiaozuo City, China

Declaration of Commitment Friendship Agreements

Benefits

•  Creates an inclusive community •  Provide programs and services that are

culturally appropriate •  Invests in our future workforce •  Demystifies municipal government •  Improves intergovernmental relationships •  Creates a strong and diverse economy

The Role of the Elder

•  Recognized by the community •  Not based on age •  Traditional knowledge, ceremonies •  Metis Senators •  Dedicated to learning •  Community activists

Smudge in City Hall

Smudging An email is sent to all Managers within City Hall as well as the Mayor’s Office the City Manager’s Office and Supervisors of all Departments to ensure that all staff are notified 24 hours in advance of a smudge, this is done as an extension of Respect for others working in the City Hall who may have severe allergic reactions to ensure alternate arrangements are made for them for the day of the smudge.

Questions?

Ann Magiskan Aboriginal Liaison City of Thunder Bay email: amagiskan@thunderbay.ca tel: (807)625-2146 Annette Pateman Acting Aboriginal Liaison Strategy Coordinator City of Thunder Bay email: apateman@thunderbay.ca Tel: (807)625 2007