Does Mississauga Have to Improve Relations With its Indigenous Community?

While Canada 150 celebrations have typically focused on the more joyful aspects of the country’s past, present and future, passionate advocates have also worked to make this year an important one for discussing a darker part of Canada’s history–its treatment of its indigenous population.

For that reason, the city is doing its part to acknowledge the past and focus on the future by holding a series of conversations about the Native experience across the city.

“As part of the Canada 150 celebrations, the City of Mississauga is concentrating on continuing to build strong and respectful partnerships with the Indigenous community,” the city wrote in a news release.

The Culture Division and Museums of Mississauga are working with community facilitators Alexandre Nahdee, Tina Chu, Anu Radha Verma and Kris Noakes from the Peel Aboriginal Network to discuss reconciliation from an Indigenous perspective.

If you want to get involved, you can attend the following events:

May 31, 2017:

Understanding Community Responsibilities in Reconciliation

Time: 6 – 9pm

Location: Studio.89, 104-1065 Canadian Pl, Mississauga, ON, L4W 0C2

In this Community Conversation, participants will be asked to participate in a discussion about how to integrate reconciliation into community based work. Over the course of 3 hours there will be sharing of history and teachings, participatory and self-reflection activities.

Barrier-free venue. All gender washrooms.

June 28, 2017:

Memorialization and Erasure: Highlighting Historical and Current Realities of Reconciliation

Time: 6 – 9pm

Location: Burnhamthorpe Library Program Room, 101-3650 Dixie Rd, Mississauga ON L4Y 3V9

In the second Community Conversation, Alexandre Nahdee and Kris Noakes (Peel Aboriginal Network) will share important aspects of local Indigenous history, providing an understanding of current relationships. Participants will consider the role of memory in processes of reconciliation through a variety of activities.

Barrier-free venue. All gender washrooms.

July 26, 2017:

Finding (Your) Place: Reconciliation, “Diversity” and Community-Building

Time: 6 – 9 pm

Location: Civic Centre, Committee Room A, 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga ON L5B 3C9

In the third Community Conversation, Mississauga as a place of “diversity” will be explored in the context of reconciliation, discrimination and disruption. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and also learn from traditional Indigenous knowledge and teachings.

Barrier-free venue. All gender washrooms.

To register for the events, click here.