Whereas, in June 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission presented the executive summary of their findings contained in its multi-volume final report, including 94 "calls to action" (or recommendations) to further reconciliation between Canadians and Indigenous Peoples; and,
Whereas, since that date all levels of government have been called upon to actively engage with the 94 Calls to Action in order redress the legacy of residential schools; and
Whereas, here in Richmond Hill we acknowledge our community is established on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations of the Williams Treaty. We also recognize that we are on part of the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and the Huron Wendat; and
Whereas, the City of Richmond Hill is committed to building a trusting relationships with our treaty partners; and
Whereas, the Oak Ridges Moraine in Richmond Hill is a natural feature created about 13,000 years ago during the last ice age, which stores a very large volume of groundwater that feeds into the Humber, Rouge and Don River systems; and
Whereas, these waterways have enduring importance now for the current residents of Ontario as they did for all peoples inhabiting these lands; and
Whereas, it is important that we continue to offer education about our environment to support understanding of our natural resources and efforts to sustain them; and
Whereas, it is also important that we seek out opportunities to contribute to the 94 Calls to Action and that by including both English and Anishinaabe on signage that identified waterways, we would support the efforts of the “Language and Culture” Calls to Action, specifically #14 iv).
Now Therefore Be It Resolved:
- That Council direct staff to create roadside and/or park signage to recognize the Humber, Rouge, and Don River system waterways using traditional First Nations names; and
- That staff be directed to work with Mississauga of the Credit First Nation treaty partners to identify important waterways and the correct language to be used; and
- That staff be directed to expedite the development of the concept design so that it can be unveiled on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, 2025.