Indigenous Truth and ReconciliAction Plan

2026-2030

Written and guided by First Nation, Inuit and Métis voices, this plan steers Niagara Region on the road to reconciliation through relationship building, education and culturally respectful service delivery.

What the plan is

The Indigenous Truth and ReconciliAction Plan was developed through joint consultation between Niagara Region staff, representatives from Indigenous community agencies, and members from the local Indigenous community.

It builds on national recommendations including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Final Inquiry's Calls for Justice, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Two local reports — Creating Our Way Forward and Mno Bmaadziwin: Living the Good and Healthy Life — formed the foundation for the plan.

Three connected priorities

What guides the plan

First Nations, Métis and Inuit are at the heart of this plan. Success depends on collaboration between Niagara Region and Indigenous organizations and communities.

Priority 1

Build relationships

Keep the principles of the Two Row Wampum. Build stronger relationships on understanding and respect.

Regular Joint Roundtable meetings with Indigenous leaders and senior Niagara Region staff
Increase Indigenous representation on Regional advisory committees
Support Indigenous community events and cultural celebrations
Review recruitment to attract and retain Indigenous employees
Create an inclusive workplace where Indigenous staff feel valued

Priority 2

Education

Provide relevant and respectful Indigenous training to all staff and Council. Encourage reflection and dialogue.

Mandatory cultural awareness training for all Niagara Region staff
Introductory Indigenous cultural training at the start of each new Council cycle
Cultural resource materials developed in partnership with Elders and Knowledge Keepers
Increase visibility of Indigenous arts, cultures and languages across the Region

Priority 3

Service delivery

Deliver services that are culturally respectful, inclusive, equitable and accessible. Provide services without bias, racism or discrimination.

Apply a lens of two-eyed seeing across programs, services and policies
Develop an Indigenous advisory circle for Niagara Region staff
Create culturally welcoming environments in Regional facilities
Support Indigenous health and wellbeing in collaboration with community agencies

How this plan was built

The plan used an approach of two-eyed seeing, combining traditional Indigenous knowledge and teachings with non-Indigenous world views. Indigenous perspectives directed the community engagement process and the content of the plan.

A Joint Roundtable was created in 2021, bringing together leaders from local Indigenous community agencies, Niagara Region and Niagara Regional Police Service. The roundtable contributed to the plan's content, directed community engagement and responded to community feedback.

More than 200 Indigenous voices were heard during the development of this plan, including representatives from Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, as well as Indigenous organizations serving the local community.

Highlights from 2025

Progress update

Significant work has been underway across education, community events and service delivery.

2,400+

Niagara Region staff completed mandatory Indigenous-Colonial Relations training in 2025

200+

Indigenous community voices heard during the development of this plan

4

Flag ceremonies held at Niagara Region Headquarters in 2025 to mark significant dates

Honouring significant dates

Niagara Region hosted four flag ceremonies in 2025 marking Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit (May 5), Pride and Two Spirit (June 2), Orange Shirt Day (Sept. 29), and 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (Nov. 24).

Indigenous Veterans Day was also honoured by lowering all flags on Nov. 8.

Mandatory staff training launched

In 2025, a mandatory one-hour e-module on Indigenous-Colonial Relations was introduced for all Niagara Region staff. Over 2,400 employees completed the training by year end. Emergency Services, Long-Term Care and leadership teams will receive additional program-specific training.

Supporting Indigenous health and community

Niagara Region Public Health created an Indigenous Health Advisory Circle in 2025 — a group of community members meeting monthly to guide Public Health priorities. We also promoted three local Pow Wows and continued the Mobile Health Unit partnership to improve access to health services for the Indigenous community.