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ss MB NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH June 1, 2023 | = DARIN WYBENGA z EDUCATES PUBLIC 3 ON THE a MISSISSAUGAS OF g THE CREDIT NATION ALEXANDRA SHIMO ashimo@metroland.com In celebration of Nation- al Indigenous History Month, Metroland intro- duces readers to 30 Indige- nous people who are mak- ing a difference. He's a type of gatekeep- redit Nation for any col- abortion they will likely first get schooling from Da- rin Wybenga. "We are treaty holders for about four million acres at the western end of Lake Ontario. So I just let people know that we are here, we are treaty partners, and to get to know us because First Nations are often for- gotten.” Not being forgotten has been the life work of Wy- enga, who started his ca- reer as a history teacher. Then he worked at the New community members and the public about First Na- tions history. In 2016, he joined the Mississaugas of the Credit Department of Consulta- tion and Accommodation, Nation first come for acon- sultation. That is what has been mandated by the gov- ernment, under the duty to consult, to avoid trampling on First Nations rights, and as part of the reconcili- ation process. “When people come on- to our lands and we're meeting them for the first Darin Wybenga photo Darin Wybenga says people need to understand what it means. to have a treaty relationship time, they should really know who the treaty part- ners are. Otherwise, it's just a conversation about their project when they should know about us — our hopes, dreams, rights, and aspirations. Then we feel better at talking be- cause its' part of the recon- ciliation process.” The best advice Wyben- ga ever received was to be himself and be authentic and honest. Being authen- tic is part of his lineage; au- thenticity is part of the sto- ry of how the Mississaugas of the Credit got their name. During the time of fur trading, credit was impor- tant to the Indigenous fur traders because they run short of funds stoke of trapping season. There arose a practice that if one trapper didn't have enough funds, another would spot him on their own. So the First Nation came to be known as those who would honour their credit. "So we had a lot of integ- rity as traders. The French could trust us to be who we are as authentic people. So insidehalton.com OakvilleBeaver READERS’ cuore Avanos 2023 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2023 NOMINATIONS It’s in your hands. ERE mt The Readers’ Choice Awards were created for you to tell us which local businesses and service providers are the best at what they do! Once the nom- inations close, the nominees will be shortlisted and you will have another chance to vote for your favourite. NOMINATE TODAY to help make your favourite local business become a Readers’ Choice Nominee. insidehalton.com INDIGENOUS LEADER OFFERS AN EDUCATION ABOUT TREATY LANDS I always like that story be- cause I think that's who we try to be and do business around here. And I know that J try and strive for tna ybenga says tat if non-Indigenous eople couldlearn one thingabout Indigenous history this month, it would be to ho- nour the spirit of the trea- ties. The Treaties are en- during agreements that are meant to be honoured for- ever. What does that mean and look like in the 21st century? Both sides en- tered into the treaties, he says. Both sides agreed to share the land. But there's not been much sharing on in our history, he ‘SCAN mas CODE for more Ti through toytling