Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces

Creating welcoming spaces for ceremony, connection and belonging, starting with safe and inclusive spaces for Indigenous communities.

Community-led projects working towards our goal

Safe and Inclusive Spaces Action Table  Focused on Indigenous leadership, working toward an Indigenous service hub and a healing lodge for ceremony, healing, culturally appropriate services and community gathering. 

Reconciliation Action Partnership  A municipal-led partnership that has introduced smudging policies in municipal buildings, free space for Indigenous groups, sacred fire sites, more Indigenous art, and Indigenous languages in public signage. 

Anti-hate by-law  A new provision in the Region's Code of Use By-law prohibits hate and harassment against an individual on Regional property, including public transit vehicles and stops. 

Upstream Fund community grants  Supporting grassroots initiatives in Indigenous arts, newcomer integration, 2SLGBTQIA+ programming, Black community leadership and interfaith belonging.  

Responding to incidents of hate guide  The City of Waterloo has developed a new resource to support residents in navigating and reporting local incidents of hate and discrimination. 

Indigenous Community Hub (in development)  Business case development underway for a dedicated Indigenous Community Hub, alongside mapping of available spaces across the region.