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Indigenous relations

Land Acknowledgement

Niagara Region is situated on treaty land. This land is steeped in the rich history of the First Nations such as the Hatiwendaronk, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe, including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. There are many First Nations, Métis and Inuit from across Turtle Island that live and work in Niagara today. The Regional Municipality of Niagara stands with all Indigenous peoples, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live.

Pronunciation of nation names

Hatiwendaronk

hat-ee-wen-DA-ronk

Haudenosaunee

hoe-den-no-SHOW-nee

Anishinaabe

ah-nish-uh-NAH-bay

Métis

may-tea

Inuit

in-you-wheat or in-you-wit (either is acceptable)

Personalize the Land Acknowledgement

Niagara Region recommends providing a personalized statement after saying the Land Acknowledgement. For example, the statement could include:

  • An individual commitment to learning more about First Nations, Inuit and Métis people
  • A connection between the day’s event to the Indigenous community or culture
  • Mention of an upcoming significant date within the Indigenous community, such as Red Dress Day or Orange Shirt Day

Indigenous voices

Community voices matter. Niagara Region commits to listening to First Nations, Inuit and Métis voices. This helps us better understand and remove barriers faced by the local Indigenous people. Local Indigenous consultants wrote two reports based on community voices.

Recommendations

The reports made several recommendations for Niagara Region, including the following:

Feather

Involve Indigenous voices in decisions about programs and services.

Three people sitting at a table in a meeting

Create a permanent joint roundtable with Indigenous community leaders and Niagara Region staff.

Three people standing next to each other

Hire Indigenous staff to develop a Niagara specific strategic action plan.

A megaphone with lines coming out of it to indicate sound

Make public a statement about Niagara Region addressing systemic racism.

Joint roundtable

The joint roundtable began in 2021. It brings together leaders from Niagara Indigenous community agencies and Niagara Region. 

  • Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre – Executive Director
  • Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle – Executive Director
  • Niagara Area Aboriginal Management Board – Executive Director
  • Niagara Chapter Native Women – Executive Director
  • Niagara Region Métis Council – Council President
  • Niagara Regional Native Centre – Executive Director

Corporate Leadership

  • Chief Administrative Officer
  • Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
  • Public Works Commissioner
  • Community Services Commissioner
  • Public Health Commissioner
  • Corporate Services Commissioner

Indigenous Relations

  • Indigenous Relations Specialist (position created from report recommendation)
  • Indigenous Health Specialist (position created from report recommendation)
  • Manager of Diversity Equity, Inclusion, and Indigenous Relations

  • Chief of Police

Indigenous Truth and ReconciliAction Plan

Niagara Region staff worked with the local Indigenous community to create the Niagara Region Indigenous Truth and ReconciliAction Plan (2026-2030). The plan has three priority areas:

  • Build relationships with the Indigenous community based on understanding and respect
  • Provide education for staff and Council about Indigenous history and culture
  • Deliver services that are culturally respectful, inclusive and accessible. Deliver services without bias, racism, or discrimination

Learn about the Indigenous Truth and ReconciliAction Plan

Public statement about addressing systemic racism

In June 2022, Niagara Regional Council published the following statement with a commitment to:

  • Respond to national reports for municipal governments: Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Inquiry’s Calls to Justice
  • Create policies, programs and services that meet Indigenous needs
  • Make Regional spaces welcoming and safe for Indigenous peoples
  • Remove barriers to jobs at Niagara Region for Indigenous peoples 

Niagara Region hereby issues a commitment to address systemic discrimination and anti-Indigenous racism within its institution.

Resources

Many of these organizations use their Facebook pages for the most up-to-date information about community events.

Niagara Indigenous community agencies

Indigenous government representation

The following Niagara Region strategies have been developed by engaging with representatives from the local Indigenous community.

  • Community Safety Well-Being Action Plan
  • Health Equity Community Engagement — Niagara Region Public Health
  • Poverty Reduction Strategy
  • Substance Use Prevention Strategy
  • Supportive Housing Strategy

Have a question?

Contact Indigenous Relations