Contact(s)
Below is a sampling of resources to help residents further their understanding of the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in our community and across our nation. Much of the information is from external sources and partner organizations, and will be updated as it becomes available.
City of Orillia Land Acknowledgement
I would like to take this moment to respectfully acknowledge that the City of Orillia is situated on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg, specifically the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, a member of the Chippewa Tri-Council and Three Fires Confederacy, and that it continues to be home to many diverse First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples.
As a City, we honour and value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the area, home to one of North America’s oldest human developments, the Mnjikaning Fish Weirs.
We acknowledge that this land is covered by the Williams Treaties and Upper Canada Treaties signed by our governments on behalf of the Anishinaabe and Canadian Peoples, and was once part of the Coldwater-Narrows Reserve.
The City of Orillia is committed to building a welcoming, caring, inclusive and accessible community for all citizens, which includes helping the community understand, acknowledge, and take action toward real Truth and Reconciliation so that we can move forward together with respect, harmony and dignity for all Indigenous Peoples of the past, present and future.
Thank you. Merci. Miigwech
Mayor Donald McIsaac
Background
In 2020, Council voted to incorporate a land acknowledgement statement into its official Council proceedings during National Indigenous History Month, as well as during the inaugural meeting of newly elected Councils each term.
Council wanted to add a land acknowledgement to special Council proceedings to give it the importance and reverence it deserves, and ensure it is presented in a meaningful way, with purpose during special times of the year, and not something that gets checked off procedurally.
The City first incorporated a land acknowledgement into its June 7, 2021, Council meeting: Council to recognize National Indigenous Month at June 7, 2021 meeting. For more background on the land acknowledgement, read Report PRCR-20-01 Land Acknowledgement Statement
Dates of Significance
Below is a list of days and activities that recognize and honour the lives, teachings and traditions of Indigenous Peoples. Please feel free to share your activity with us help grow this list.
January 4 is National Ribbon Skirt Day
The passing of Bill S-219 recognizing January 4 as National Ribbon Skirt Day. The Bill was proposed following the treatment of Isabella Kulak, a member of the Cote First Nation, Saskatchewan, who was told the skirt was inappropriate for a formal day at her elementary school. Ribbon Skirt Day looks to help Canadians understand the significance of importance of ribbon skirts to Indigenous women, girls and people of all genders.
Ribbon Skirt Teaching with Elder Marie “Buffy” Cheecham
June - National Indigenous History Month
We set aside June each year to honour and commemorate National Indigenous History Month, with June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. During this month and throughout the year, we encourage you take time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada.
Click here to start your exploration.
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Proclaimed in 2021 by the Government of Canada, the day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities, and coincides with Orange Shirt Day. It is meant as a time for reflecting on the tragic and ongoing legacy of the residential school system and finding our own ways to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 calls to action.
Orange Shirt Day - Read the story behind the movement
November 5 to 11 - Treaties Recognition Week
Treaties Recognition Week was established in Ontario to honour the importance of treaties including the significance of treaty rights, treaty relationships and their relevance today.
Visit the Ontario Government's webpage for a number of virtual activities.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Gojijing Kikendaasogmig: A Place for Knowledge
A virtual learning library comprised of local stories and Indigenous teachings developed in consultation with youth leaders, local Elders, teachers and community members.
Local Groups and Resources
The Orillia Native Women’s Group is a not-for-profit organization serving Indigenous women and their families in Orillia, Simcoe County. They are an Indigenous governed agency committed to the growth and empowerment of Indigenous women. The support the well-being of families, fostering a sense of community by offering opportunities for healing, sharing, and enriching their knowledge of local cultures and traditions.
Banac Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Clinic - ORILLIA
Providing wholistic health care and wellness programming that incorporates Indigenous culturally grounded, collaborative health care to residents of North Simcoe and Muskoka.
210 Memorial Ave, Unit 112A&B
Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Phone: 705-259-9520
Fax: 855-941-2531
Chippewas of Rama First Nation Culture and Research Department
The Culture and Research Department promotes and preserves the rich culture, history, and traditions of First Nations people, in particular that of Rama First Nation. The Culture and Research department also seeks to educate both community members and non-community members alike on a variety of topics related to First Nations.
Regional and National Resources
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Indigenous Canada - Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada, from an Indigenous perspective.
Senator Murray Sinclair's challenge related to the 94 Calls to Action
IN THE NEWS
Local Indigenous woman paying it forward in Guatemala - Jan 29, 20223
Lakehead hopes new crosswalk helps pave way for reconciliation
Georgian's Orillia campus unveils Truth and Reconciliation Trail
Orange Shirt Day a reminder of harrowing life in residential school - Mother of local elder shares her story about trying to escape from residential school and the scars she bears from the 'sorrow (that) is everlasting'
Community effort honours kids who died at residential schools
Area mayors call on province to improve education on Indigenous matters - Orillia Matters
Clarke says, “I just think education has the ability to naturally move reconciliation forward when ... we have a greater understanding of each other's perspective."
Click to read the full article...
St. Paul's Centre
Celebrating a new round of Call to Action #83 at St. Paul's Centre.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Former Residential School students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.
Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.
Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.
