Caledon to sign agreement with Mississauga of the Credit First Nation as a step toward reconciliation

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Town of Caledon announced a new step toward building a better relationship with the Mississauga of the Credit First Nation.

On Oct. 7, the Town of Caledon and Mississauga of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding – what the town calls “a significant step in formalizing ongoing efforts to foster a mutually respectful relationship.”

Mayor Allan Thompson, Chief Stacey LaForme, representatives from MCFN, council and members of the town’s senior leadership team will be at the signing.

“I have always felt that municipalities play an important role in the work of reconciliation in communities,” said Mayor Allan Thompson. “We are proud of the work we have done in Caledon to advance and include Indigenous culture into our plans, policies and service delivery.”

In March, the Town of Caledon council approved the Indigenous Community Engagement Protocol — a guide and living document to support engagement with Indigenous communities in Caledon.

The guide lays out the plan for engagement with Indigenous nations. Indigenous nations will be invited to learn more about town policies or projects, and share their knowledge and views.

“The intent of meaningful engagement is to raise awareness and build understanding among all parties so that informed input and decision-making can occur,” the guide notes.

MCFN will be notified of projects and engaged with the Town before starting environmental or archaeological assessments, and before decisions on final project plans.

The Memorandum of Understanding announcement came on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30) and Caledon marked the day by raising the MCFN flag at Town Hall.

“This serves as a symbol to our residents and communities that we recognize the histories of our Indigenous people in Canada and we are committed as municipal partners to working towards reconciliation,” a press release from the town noted.

The Town of Caledon is recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a number of significant actions. Learn more 👉🏼 https://t.co/AbVn4BgcBM pic.twitter.com/3gl7ruNRB6

— Your Caledon (@YourCaledon) September 30, 2022

The Town Hall has also been lit up with orange lights since Sep. 24, and the lights will remain until Oct. 7 to acknowledge and show respect for the children of the residential school system.

Additionally, on Oct. 7, an orange crosswalk will be unveiled at the Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness to honour the Indigenous children of the residential school system and acknowledge the strength and resilience of the survivors and their descendants.

“The crosswalk serves as a reminder of the role that each of us play in advancing reconciliation within the Caledon community,” said Chief Administrative Officer, Carey Herd.

For more on the Town of Caledon: A Guide to Meaningful Engagement with Indigenous Neighbours, see the document here.