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* ad OPINION -TIME TO CELEBRATE Oakville Beaver | Thursday, June 1 GARY CARR Column June is National Indige- nous History Month, when we recognize the history, heritage and diversity of In- digenous Peoples across Turtle Island {also known as North Ameri This month. celebrates Indigenous culture, ac- knowledges the bales and resurgence ‘ing within lndigestue commu. nities and recognizes the contributions made by In- icine Na National Int indige- nous Peoples Day, a chance to learn about the heritage, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS The Strawberry a is celebrated in Jun many First Nations ene the first strawberries are ready to be picked. Oneida Nations the strawberry shares a deep connection to mind, body spirit, while the seeds on the out- side are used to teach about vulnerability. In both Ha denosaunee and Ani: shi. naabe cultures the straw- berry isalso viewed asa tra- ditional medicine, and all = 3 Halton and Regional 2 NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH staff continue to advance a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation through on- going efforts to build and foster meaningful relation- ships with a Andigenous Peo- ples, nities and First Nations ‘based on cul- tural vrgerstanae. empa- thy and mutual res} alton has continued to tion and ensuring an Indig- enous lens is applied to the work being done. NATIONAL ALERT SYSTEM The House of Commons recently agreed to imple- ment a National Alert Sys- em for Murdered and Miss- ing Indigenous Women and Gitls (MMIWG). Indige- nous women are crucial contributors to Indigenous , Maintaining roles as ashealers, knowledge keep- ers, elders, caregivers, par- nts and more. Targeted violence to- ward Indigenous women not only impacts victims and their loved ones, but al- so entire communities. RESOURCES AVAILABLE This year, join the con- versation online by using the hashtag #NIHM2023. information about Halton's work to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities, please visit halton.ca. By celebrat- ing National Indigenous History Month, we hon all Indigenous Peoples and recognize their contribu- tions to making Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. Gary Carr is regional chair of Halton Region. To tact him, email TO LEARN HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN CONTENT VISIT INSIDEHALTON.COM WILL POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR NEW CURRENCY, WRITES PETER WATSON The world is changing. In the past, people pur- chased goods and services with cash, and somes by cheque. Often writin; cheque was followed Wy putting it in a stamped en- velope and dropping it in the mailbox with the hope it arrived by the time the bill was due. That seemed to work fine, until we had an explo- sion of technology that in- troduced new ways to make life simpler. Cash is quickly becoming part of commerce has shifte d. oe ce a credit card or your cellphone and ary.carr ca. the payment is made and i recorded in PETER WATSON Column your online statement. easy for both consumers and retailers. that is the future of com- aces my opinion, the risk of digital currencies is a concern for the Bank of Canada and for Canada's large retail banks. tail bank branches mostly have low customer visits these days. Thos banks have very pensive real estate that is underuti- cchnology compa- nies oo roving digital alee natives will not be bur. dened with that excess CANADA ADOPT A DIGITAL DOLLAR? overhead. The Bank of Canada is surveying the public to de- termine the level of inter- est in a BOC digital dollar. The value of the dollar and the fact that it is backed by the federal Government will not chang That gives the potential of a BOC digital currency competitive advantage to some of the other currency options, including crypto currency. Commerce has changed. It would not sur- prise me if the federal gov- ernment asked the Bank of Canada to create a digital currency. Peter Watson, of Watson Investments MBA, CFP, R.E-P, CIM, FCSI offers a weekly financial planning colum Hecan ne contacted through www.watsonin- vestments.com. ABOUT This newspaper, published every of newspapers is comprise publications across Ontario. This newspaper isa meraber ofthe National NewsMec ouncil. Complainants are urged to bring their concems to the attention of He newspaper and, if not satisfied, ite The National NewsMedia Council, Suite rn i Yonge St., Toro1 forot Phone: 416- Sa 961 : www.mediacouncil.ca nne focna “Syat | Canada insidehalton@metroland.com com/OakvilleBeav @OakvilleBeaver WHO WE ARE Vice President, Editorial Lee Ann Waterman Metroland Editor-In-Chief Paul Berton Regional aneral Manager Jason Pehor Director ofc Content ee Ann Waterman Regional Managing Editor Catherine O'Hara Managing Editor Karen Miceli Director of Distribution Charlene Hall Circulation Manager ma im Directors of Advertising Cindi Campbell and Paul Gostlin CONTACT | Us on Pacha ma, pata, Hami Phones 1: "306: 8364 "3360 Classifieds: 1-800-263-6480 Advertising: 289-293-0620 For al delivery inques, please e-mail kmossman@metroland.com or call 905-631-6095. ie to the editor ineldehatondne troland.col All letters must be fewer than 320 words and include your name and telephone number for verification urposes. 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