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12 bd 3 HALTON URGES FEDS = TO SEARCH ALL 2 RESIDENTIAL é SCHOOL SITES FS MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@ metroland.com lls | Thursday, July 1, 2021 | nm Hi As the remains of Indig- enous children continue to be found at former residen- tial school sites, Halton is uushing the federal gov- ernment to declare a na- tional day of mourning and authorize an immediate search for additional un- during its latest meeting with these requests, along with a call for the Trudeau. government to continue its efforts to implement the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and | Reconciliation Com- ion — specifically ac- tone Tl to 6 regarding sing children and buri- al informati ion. The resolution, put forth by Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Councillor Rory Nisan, al- soasks for a national initia- tive to commemorate and protect residential school rial sites across Canada +h a process that must be Indigenous-! Jed carried out throug! cere! “Its critical that we add our voice to those calling for ee national day of and finding the Toeations of these marked mass graves," « said Nisan. D eeting, council heard from Chief R. Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, who said the discovery of the 215 chil- dren at the former Kam- loops residential school "an awakening. for the people of this land.’ "This is a call to respon- sibility, not only for those involved, but for all of us. I see this as a call to action," he said. "Let us choose to go for- ward together. Let' - choose a path of understanding, peace and friendship. Let this moment of sorrow bea light to guide us onto a bet- ter path." The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation were the original owners of the territory where Halton sits, and still have treaty lands in the region. Laforme said he appre- ciates and respects the re- lationship that has been de- veloped between Halton and the Mississaugas of the Credit. "I look forward to work- ing together to address the crises that is before us," he said. In addition to the na- part of its Indigenous rela- Honship building initia. This included the en- dorsement of: + The Truth and Recon- “THIS IS A CALL TO RESPONSIBILITY’ Scott Gardner/ Metroland file photo Chief R. Stacey Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. ciliation Commission re- port and Calls to Action + The United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples + An Indigen land ac- knowledgement and its us- S - Permanently flying the flag of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation at the Halton Regional Centre on Bronte Road in Oakville - Aworking partnership fl) ORDER AHEAD, PICK UP AT CURBSIDE. WAPPY — with Indigenous peoples and local First Nations, Métis and Inuit people to establish a Halton Indige- nous Advisory Group. “Endorsing this initia- tive to build meaningful re- lationships wit Indige- nous peoples based on cul- tural unders tion,” said Regional Chair Gary Carr. "Indigenous peoples have been connected to these lands for generations n of our commu- nities that we enjoy today. These actions are a step in the right direction, but we know that more work still needs to be done, and I look forward to ontinuing these efforts together." Council also heard an update from its Indigenous ships he's helping Halton build with Indigenous communities. : a JUST USETHE [fi] APP ESA #7003060 Ap wma. reistasion oe DEKEReecracis Geer at participating McDonald's Located inside . ee lat 1905 -702- Osi, 5a Georgetown Marketpla é Georgetown 2 374 Queen Street East, Acton Maminidekerelectiie’ a orgetowndental.com