Truth and Reconciliation
The Region of Waterloo serves an area within the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe, Chonnonton and Haudenosaunee peoples. This territory is within the lands protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum. We acknowledge the enduring presence, knowledge and philosophies of Indigenous Peoples.
We acknowledge the continuing accomplishments and contributions Indigenous Peoples make in shaping Waterloo Region.
Indigenous Languages Greetings Wall
Aanii, Boozhoo, She:kon, Tansi, Welcome! As you arrive at various Regional sites, you will be welcomed with a new sign offering greetings in Indigenous languages spoken within the Region of Waterloo. This initiative reflects our commitment to inclusivity, cultural awareness, and the recognition of the important role Indigenous communities play in our shared history and future.
This sign carries a message of both education and change. Each of the languages is spoken in the Region of Waterloo by various Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island that now call the Region of Waterloo home.
Hearing and learning Indigenous languages is vital in Canada because these languages carry the history, culture, and worldview of Indigenous peoples, fostering reconciliation and mutual understanding.
Within the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, there are 5 calls directly related to language and culture. Call 14.i says, “Aboriginal languages are a fundamental and valued element of Canadian culture and society, and there is an urgency to preserve them.” We agree and celebrate the preservation and use of Indigenous languages in our community spaces.
This wall stands as a powerful symbol of change, marking a shift away from a history where Indigenous languages were silenced and unwelcome in government spaces. Today, it reflects our commitment to creating a space that welcomes First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples by honoring their languages. This gesture is one of the meaningful ways we are advancing Truth and Reconciliation here in the Region of Waterloo, opening our doors to inclusivity, respect, and shared understanding.
We invite you to take time to visit the sign, learn greetings in these Indigenous languages, and reflect on your own Truth and Reconciliation journey.
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| The Region of Waterloo is situated on the lands within the Haldimand Tract of 1784, a formally ratified agreement acknowledging six miles on either side of the Grand River as treaty territory belonging to Six Nations of the Grand River. The Region of Waterloo serves an area within the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe, Chonnonton and Haudenosaunee peoples. This territory is within the lands protected by the Dish with One Spoon wampum - which calls upon us to share the land and its resources fairly, represented by a shared dish and spoon, and to keep the dish clean by caring for the land and ensuring peace among all who share it. We acknowledge the enduring presence, knowledge and philosophies of Indigenous Peoples. We acknowledge the continuing accomplishments and contributions Indigenous Peoples make in shaping Waterloo Region. |
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada issued 94 Calls to Action in 2015, which provide a roadmap for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
As a municipality, the Region of Waterloo has committed to implementing these Calls to Action, which include measures to address the legacy of residential schools, support Indigenous languages and cultures, and promote the wellbeing of Indigenous peoples.The Region of Waterloo's Office of Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) is committed to implementing these Calls to Action and working towards reconciliation in our community. We work collaboratively with community to implement initiatives that support truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation.
The Region is an active member of the Reconciliation Action Partnership,a collaborative group of municipal representatives working to coordinate efforts to support Indigenous-centred initiatives across Waterloo Region.
News
In 2022, the Region of Waterloo hired Paula Whitlow as the first Director, Truth and Reconciliation.
From the wolf clan of the Mohawk nation and a resident of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Paula has lived her entire life within the Haldimand Tract. She has traced her ancestry back to the original Haudenosaunee homelands of Upper New York State prior to the American Revolution.
Paula joins the Region of Waterloo from the Native Women’s Centre in Hamilton, where she served as executive director. She previously served as director of the Woodland Cultural Centre.
Access to Regional facilities for cultural and ceremonial use
The Region of Waterloo respects the right of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples to practice and revitalize their cultural customs and traditions. As part of the Region’s commitment to Reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, we now offer bookable spaces free of cost for First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities to access public spaces for cultural and ceremonial use.
Spaces available for booking
- Meeting rooms at Regional buildings
- Room rentals at Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
- Room rentals at Joseph Schneider Haus
- Room rentals at Region of Waterloo Libraries
- Outdoor gathering space at a Regional forest
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To book a space, email equity@regionofwaterloo.cawith the following details:
Staff will work closely with you through the process, and help you get insurance and any permits that may be required. |
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Additional Information |
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Fees |
Ongoing and Past Initiatives
| Indigenous Space Needs Assessment |
| Final Report Update to Council |
| K-W Urban Native Wigwam Indigenous-Led Transitional Housing |
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Giving hope: new transitional housing for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness |
| Indigenous-Led Early Childhood Education |
| 2022-2026 Early Years and Child Care Service System Plan |
| Crow Shield Lodge at Ken Seiling Waterloo Regional Museum |
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‘It’s time we come together’: Indigenous site beside Waterloo Region museum to help educate, heal |
| Upstream Fund |
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41 community organizations receiving upstream funding to improve community health and wellbeing |
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Reconciliation Action Partnership |
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Dibaajimowin Exhibit |
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2022 Exhibit Dibaajimowin | Stories from this Land at Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum |
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Tionnhéhkwen Garden at Schneider Haus |
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Land Back Camp finds new community food garden space at Schneider Haus |
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