Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day we celebrate the cultures, histories, languages, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Turtle Island.

It must also be a time for truth-telling.

The original caretakers of the land on which so-called @cityofhamilton (originally named Attawandaronia) is situated are the Erie, Neutral (Attawandaron), Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Mississaugas.

These Indigenous nations’ territories are covered by historical agreements, such as the “Dish With One Spoon” Wampum Belt Covenant between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek, and the 1792 “Between the Lakes Purchase” with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

Long before Hamilton existed, Indigenous nations stewarded these lands, waterways, and relationships that continue to shape this place today.

Across Canada, Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people continue to experience disproportionate rates of violence, poverty, homelessness, and systemic discrimination.

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls found that these realities are not isolated incidents, but the result of ongoing colonial systems that continue to place Indigenous lives at risk.

Here in Hamilton, Indigenous community members, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and organizations have long advocated for housing, healthcare, harm reduction, cultural safety, and justice. Their leadership continues to strengthen our city and challenge us to do better.

As we celebrate Indigenous cultures and contributions today, we must also remember those who never made it home and commit ourselves to action – not only remembrance.

More than 80 of the 94 Calls to Action are still incomplete or only partially implemented.

Reconciliation requires more than recognition – it requires sustained action, accountability, and a commitment to implementing the changes Indigenous communities have called for.

@hamiltonregionalindiancentre @hric.hamilton @woodlandculturalcentre @sachahamont
@wawghamilton @justkristen01 @onedeelikeme

Miigwetch 🧡

Source: https://www.aptnnews.ca/videos/how-many-of-the-trcs-calls-to-action-have-been-answered/

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