Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging are a top priority for the Township of Wilmot. Wilmot's Strategic Plan recognizes inclusivity as a core value of the organization and the broader community. To date, Wilmot staff and Council have made significant efforts in the critical areas of Indigenous Reconciliation; Anti-Racism; and the 2SLGBTQ+ Community.
Indigenous Reconciliation
The Township of Wilmot is committed to taking the necessary steps towards healing and reconciliation with the Indigenous Community.
| Territorial Acknowledgement | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Township of Wilmot Council adopted the inclusion of a territorial acknowledgement statement to be read at Council Meetings. Council also supports such a statement being read, if so desired, at any committee meeting as well. If you would like to use the statement that was passed by Council, it is available below. "We have gathered in Wilmot Township on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabeg (u‐nish‐a‐nah‐bey) Haudenosaunee (ho‐din‐a‐son‐ni) and Mississauga peoples. We also want to acknowledge the importance of The Dish with One Spoon Covenant ‐ a peace agreement made between Indigenous nations before the Europeans arrived. It characterizes our collective responsibility to each other and Mother Earth ‐ we should take only what we need, leave enough for others and keep the dish clean. By acknowledging this covenant and the First Nations, Métis and Inuit, we are reminded of our important connection to this land where we live, learn and work together as a community." |
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| Prime Ministers Path | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In the summer of 2021, First Peoples Group completed a comprehensive Public Engagement regarding the Prime Ministers Path. Through this community consultation, Council provided the following symbolic, substantive and systemic directions:
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| Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A region-wide Reconciliation Action Plan is being developed by the Region and all area municipalities, to address key themes of concerns expressed by local Indigenous communities, see meaningful relationships enhanced between settlers and Indigenous people, and to uphold our commitments made to respond to the Calls to Action laid out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This approach will support the many voices of the local Indigenous communities to address the systemic issues and barriers for Indigenous peoples that are inherent in municipal processes, services, programs, and spaces in Waterloo Region. Embarking on the development of a region-wide Reconciliation Action Plan in collaboration with local Indigenous communities is an important next step in the Region’s journey toward truth and reconciliation. As we begin this journey of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we are learning along the way. We recognize the importance of being open, transparent, and accountable for the Reconciliation Action Plan and all subsequent actions. It was quickly identified that a siloed approach to reconciliation initiatives will not benefit the Indigenous communities that we serve. A Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group (RAPWG) consisting of staff from the Region and all area municipalities has formed to work closely with Indigenous communities to advance reconciliation, including working collaboratively on the development of a municipal Reconciliation Action Plan. Through the RAPWG, municipal partners provide support and leadership to move the work forward within their respective municipality consistently and collaboratively. Within the working group, several sub-committees have been established to support this work. The themes explored by the subcommittees impact every part of the organization. To further advance this work, staff from the Region and area municipalities have formed five (5) subcommittees to lead work in five specific areas of focus as outlined in the figure below.
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| Every Child Matters / National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In previous years, this date has been recognized as Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters, a day to witness and honour the healing journey of residential school survivors and their families. Orange shirts commemorate the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor who was stripped of her shiny new orange shirt when she attended residential school as a six-year-old child. In Phyllis’ words, “The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing.”
In an effort to recognize the significance of this day, Wilmot Council passed a motion to fly the "Every Child Matters" flag at the Wilmot Administration Complex for the month of September. Further to this all Wilmot staff were encouraged to participate in educational opportunities on September 30th, to learn and better understand the impacts of the Residential School System on members of the Indigenous Community and Survivors. In 2021, the Township continued to fly this symbolic flag until October 4th, to recognize the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).
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| Indigenous Use of Space | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Township is working with area municipalities to make it easier for Indigenous communities to access public spaces to celebrate their culture and ceremony. If you have questions regarding use of space within Wilmot Township to hold ceremony, please visit our bookings webpage. |
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| Indigenous Education and Learning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Many resources were made available to Township staff to educate themselves on the legacy impacts of the Residential School System, and the overall history of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The following list of materials provide an opportunity to watch, read and listen.
WATCH Below are a number of videos to choose from for a valuable learning experience.
READ Below is a list of reading materials to help broaden your knowledge of Indigenous History in Canada and the Residential School System. If possible, purchases can be made from an Indigenous book seller such as GoodMinds.
LISTEN Below are a number of podcasts available on multiple platforms to hear from subject matter experts on Indigenous matters.
TEAM LEARNING Below are several Team Learning Ideas, which can be used for group learning.
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING
FAMILY LEARNING
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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Anti-Racism
As a Township, we have a collective responsibility to uphold the Township’s commitment to stand with all peoples who have, and continue to experience oppression and marginalization.
| Anti-Racism Commitment |
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As a Corporation, the Township of Wilmot stands with all peoples who have and continue to face oppression and marginalization. Racism has no place in this community or anywhere. The Township strongly believes in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and in equality down to our core. It is a foundation upon which all decisions are made in how to serve residents, work with each other, and represent the Township. The Township does not stand by any form of hate, whether it is spoken or endorsed, directly or indirectly, explicitly or through complicity. Racism is racism, no matter how it is presented. Black Lives Matter needs everyone’s support. While others have and continue to be oppressed and marginalized around the world and close to home, we must continue to recognize what people of colour experience is not okay, real change is needed, and that not being a racist is not sufficient, we must be anti‐racist. |
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Black History Month |
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Black History Month is a time to pause, learn and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians. Every February, people across Canada are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities. The theme for Black History Month 2022 is "February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day."
We encourage you to learn about the many contributions Black Canadians have made throughout history to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation it is today. The following links provide access to additional Black History Month resources from local municipalities and across Canada:
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International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination |
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The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination recognizes that the injustices and prejudices fueled by racial discrimination take place every day. Observed annually on March 21, it commemorates the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960.
In Canada, this date is an opportunity to reflect on the fact that while progress has been made, Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities and religious minorities in Canada continue to face racism and discrimination every day. It is also a day to re-commit our efforts to combat all forms of racial discrimination, injustice, systemic racism and hate to ensure a world where everyone is respected, safe, and has equitable access to contribute meaningfully to all aspects of society.
The United Nations General Assembly reiterates that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies. In its most recent resolution, the General Assembly also emphasized that any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous and must be rejected, together with theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races.
Find more information on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, visit the United Nations Website. |
2SLGBTQIA+
The Township of Wilmot is committed to taking the necessary steps towards supporting members of 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
| Pride Flag |
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In a symbolic action to show solidarity and support for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Wilmot Township Council unanimously endorsed a motion that "the pride flag shall be flown on all Township of Wilmot facility flagpoles for the month of June each year."
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| Rainbow Diversity Training |
| Further to this motion, all Township staff undertook Rainbow Diversity Training, provided by Spectrum. SPECTRUM’s Rainbow Diversity Training is a service that helps organizations along the path towards becoming more open and welcoming, as well as equitable and accessible to persons of all sexual and gender diversities, both to clients and employees of the organization. |
| Safe and Inclusive Spaces |
| In an effort to promote safe and inclusive spaces, Rainbow Pride stickers are now displayed on all Wilmot Township facility doors. These stickers are symbolic of Wilmot's commitment to promoting a greater sense of safety and belonging, specifically for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies. |
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