Indigenous Reconciliation

The City of Owen Sound is situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinabek Nation: The People of the Three Fires known as Ojibway, Odawa, and Pottawatomie Nations.

We acknowledge with respect, the history, spirituality, and culture of the Anishinaabe peoples, and ancestors who shared this land and these waters. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Metis, and Inuit in Owen Sound today.

Background

In June 2015, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its findings and 94 Calls to Action to redress the residential schools legacy and advance the reconciliation process in Canada. The Calls to Action are directed at all levels of government, the private sector and Canadians as a whole.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The City of Owen Sound observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day on September 30^th.

Read more: City to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge with respect, the history, spirituality, and culture of the Anishinaabe people who consist of The People of the Three Fires known as Ojibway, Odawa, and Bodéwadmi Nations on whose traditional territories we gather and whose ancestors signed Treaties with our ancestors. We recognize also, the Metis and Inuit, whose ancestors shared this land and these waters. May we all, as Treaty People, live with respect on this land, and live in peace and friendship with all its diverse peoples.

 More about the City of Owen Sound Land Acknowledgement: Land Acknowledgements

Local Indigenous Organizations

There are many local Indigenous organizations you can support. We encourage you to visit their websites, follow them, support them, and listen to their calls for help and donations. Many Indigenous community members and members of these organizations are working through a time of mourning. Some will be accepting donations, others will not, but it is important to get familiar with local Indigenous groups, communities, and organizations. 

• M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre
• Saugeen First Nation
• Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation
• Gichi-Name Wiikwedong Reconciliation Garden
• Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC)
• Huronia Area Aboriginal Management Board (HAAMB)
• Nikaanaganaa Counselling & Learning Centre
• Great Lakes Metis Council
• Metis Nation of Ontario

Other Resources

We also encourage you to visit the websites of the organizations listed below. Many of these are national-level organizations and are focused on protecting Indigenous peoples, Indigenous cultures, and Indigenous histories.

• Indian Residential School Survivors Society
• National Centre for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
• Cultural Awareness Training and Indigegogy: Learn the basis for building effective business relationships with First Nations peoples
• Cultural Mindfulness
• Reconciliation Canada
• Métis Nation of Ontario