During its Monday evening virtual meeting, Blind River Council took a further step to acknowledge the rights and history of the Indigenous population neighbouring the town and living along the North Shore.
The purpose of the adopted motion was to acknowledge the traditional territories of First Nations in which the Town of Blind River provides services and in partnership with Métis communities in language that reflects our evolving understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being and commitment to the shared goal of truth and reconciliation reports.
Mayor Sally Hagman and council at its regular meetings acknowledges neighbouring Mississauga First Nation on the Mississagi River.
“I would like to recognize, in the spirit of reconciliation, that the Town of Blind River is located on the Robinson Huron Territory. We recognize Mississauga First Nation as well as the Metis people,” is a statement read by Hagman prior to the start of each council meeting.
The background for the land acknowledgement and the motion endorsed by council is a way to help build awareness of Indigenous history, presence, the rights in everyday life, and reignites the traditional territory of the Indigenous people who called the land home before the arrival of settlers, and still call it home today.
The Town of Blind River acknowledges the traditional territories at the beginning of every council or public meeting. There is a need to revisit the frequency and language used within the land acknowledgement, to appropriately raise awareness of Indigenous presence and land rights.
“Council would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we are gathered is in the traditional territories of the Anishnaabeg, specifically Mississauga," the motion states. "We would also like to acknowledge the North Channel Metis Council. We say 'miigwech' to thank Indigenous peoples for taking care of this land from time immemorial. We are all called to treat this sacred land, its plants, animals, stories and its peoples with honour and respect.”
Council also approved its ongoing acknowledgement and intends to review, revise, and learn more about the meaning and value of land acknowledgements.
“Our land acknowledgement will gradually become more complete as we learn more about Indigenous peoples, lands and traditional territories,” a report to council states. “The Town of Blind River recognizes that a land acknowledgement is one of many steps needed to engage with Indigenous communities and create meaningful relationships that come from a place of trust, mutual respect, understanding, and reciprocity. The land acknowledgement is part of the long-term journey we are taking, as individuals and an organization, towards reconciliation with Indigenous partners and communities.”