Indigenous Support and Resources
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Clarington's Land Acknowledgement Statement
The Municipality of Clarington is situated within the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas and Chippewas of the Anishinabeg, known today as the Williams Treaties First Nations. Our work on these lands acknowledges their resilience and their longstanding contributions to the area now known as the Municipality of Clarington.
We embrace our journey to understanding our treaty relationships and the invaluable social, economic, cultural, and political contributions of Indigenous peoples to Clarington. We encourage all residents to reflect and acknowledge the importance of integrating Truth and Reconciliation into our communities where we live, learn and work.
Learn more:
- Clarington Land Acknowledgment Guidelines
- Clarington Land Acknowledgment Guidelines – Quick Reference Sheet
What is Truth and Reconciliation?
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was created to inform all Canadians about what happened in Canada’s Residential Schools. The TRC documented the truth of survivors, their families, communities, and anyone personally affected by the residential school experience.
The TRC tabled 94 Calls to Action to address the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of reconciliation. Canadians are called upon to do their part to move towards reconciliation.
History of Residential Schools
Between the 1870s and the 1990s, the Indian Residential School system operated across Canada and their purpose was to separate Indigenous children from their families and to strip them of their culture and identity. More than 150,000 Metis, Inuit and First Nation children were forced to attend the Residential School or Indian Day Schools and many of them never made it back home.
UNDRIP – United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) affirms that Indigenous peoples are equal to all other people, while recognizing their rights to be different and respected as such. It further affirms the diversity and richness of cultures and civilizations.
UNDRIP is an action plan to address injustices and combat discrimination and violence towards Indigenous peoples. This act further promotes mutual respect and understanding while moving towards reconciliation.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ People
The Government of Canada conducted an independent inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. As a result of the inquiry, the Federal government worked with partners to create a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan to end systemic racism and violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
Immediate support – toll free 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649
Indigenous women, girls, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who identify as female have been disproportionately subject to violence and discrimination and continue to be subject to it. In Canada, Indigenous women are seven times more likely to be a victim of murder and three times more likely to be violently and sexually assaulted.
Who are Indigenous Peoples?
There are three distinct groups of Indigenous peoples with unique histories, languages, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs. More than 1.4 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Aboriginal person, and two per cent of Regional Municipality of Durham residents identified with at least one Indigenous group.
| First Nations |
| There are more than 630 First Nation communities in Canada, representing more than 50 Nations and 50 Indigenous languages. This designation includes both Status and non-Status Indians. |
| Inuit |
Inuit are the Indigenous people of the Arctic. Inuit Canadians live across 53 communities in Northern Canadian regions of Inuit Nunangat, comprising of four regions:
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| Métis |
| The Métis emerged as a distinct Indigenous people and nation in the historic Northwest during the late 18th century. Made up of descendants of Indigenous women and European fur traders, the Métis people have their own unique culture, traditions, language (Michif), way of life, collective consciousness and nationhood. |
Learn more
| Colonialism in Canada |
| The foundation of colonialism is made up of unequal power relations with one territory taking control and exerting power in a different territory and making it their own. In Canada, the Indigenous Peoples were forced to disconnect from their land and were stripped of their culture and humanity. Although Canadian colonialism is seen as an act of the past, it is still very much embedded systemically and prevalent in our society. |
| Treaty Territories |
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Treaties provide a framework for sharing the land traditionally occupied by Indigenous Peoples. These are agreements made between the Government of Canada, Indigenous populations, and provinces and territories that define ongoing rights and obligations. |
| Turtle Island |
| Turtle Island is the name some Indigenous Peoples call North America. It is home to many Indigenous nations with distinct cultures, beliefs and traditions. Many of them share creation stories about a turtle that carried the world on its back. |
| Indigenous Spiritual Practices and Ceremonies |
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Smudging – This ceremony is a common purification practice that involves the burning of sacred medicines such as sweetgrass, sage, cedar, and tobacco. This is done to create a positive mindset for those involved in the smudging and to cleanse the soul or negativity surrounding a place or a person. Elders – These individuals are respected amongst Indigenous communities as they are the knowledge keepers who are seen as those who ensure cultural continuity. Elders are teachers, healers, advisors, and counsellors with knowledge specific to their cultures. Elders are committed to living according to their teachings and are neutral as well as passive community members. Tobacco offering – Elders accept offerings of tobacco to signify their willingness to offer their assistance. Tobacco offerings are offered whenever anything is taken from mother nature such as medicines, roots, berries, and animals. |
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Indigenous Veterans Day |
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November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day, a day of remembrance and commemoration of the contributions of Indigenous veterans during the First World War, Second World War, and Korean War. Indigenous Veterans Day started in 1994 when Indigenous veterans were not recognized in Remembrance Day activities. Over 7,000 First Nations members served in WWI, WWII and the Korean War. An unknown number of Métis, Inuit and other Indigenous people also participated. Indigenous people were not eligible for conscription because they were not considered Canadian citizens. However, many chose to enlist anyway despite having to overcome challenges like learning a new language, adapting to cultural differences, and travelling great distances from remote communities. Indigenous people also contributed to the war effort on the home front during the WWI and WWII. They donated large amounts of money, clothing and food to worthy causes. They granted the use of portions of their reserve lands to allow for the construction of new airports, rifle ranges and defence installations. The special efforts of First Nations communities in Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia were recognized with the British Empire Medal for their outstanding contributions. When returning to Canada, many Indigenous war veterans did not receive equal treatment compared to other Canadian veterans. They faced discrimination, including denial of benefits, loss of Indian Status and expropriation of their land for non-Indigenous veterans. Many Indigenous people continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces in Canada and on operations worldwide. They continue to uphold the proud legacy of service of past generations. Read more about the Indigenous service members who received numerous decorations for bravery.
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Get Involved
Become an Ally
Allyship strengthens relationships and creates a safe space for communities. Allyship involves unlearning problematic practices and re-evaluation. By being an ally, people in positions of privilege seek solidarity with marginalized groups. The point of allyship is not to be labelled as an ally – but rather to develop meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples. Being an ally is being willing to reflect, question and learn about Indigenous peoples, their history, and their policies. It helps bring the community closer to knowing the truth and moving towards reconciliation:
- Recognize yourself as a settler.
- Offer reciprocity in your relationship with Indigenous peoples.
- Learn about the people who are Indigenous to the land where you live and visit.
- Erase stereotypical language against Indigenous people from your vocabulary.
- Actively support Indigenous freedom of practices.
- Diversify your sources of education and entertainment.
Support
Learn how you can develop your community, workplace, or organization to support Indigenous Peoples.
Get Help
Access mental health support for those impacted by Residential Schools.
- Support to former residential school victims and their families
- Free of charge National Crisis Line – 1-866-925-4419
- Hope for Wellness Helpline
- Free and Confidential Mental Health Support
Contact Us