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National Indigenous History Month

From the Office of the Mayor

June 1, 2023

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich heritage of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada. Honouring the culture of Indigenous Peoples not only broadens our human story, but also ensures we remember a complete history of our community, and our country. 

Two years ago, we experienced a heartbreaking prelude to National Indigenous History Month:  the discovery of a mass grave at a Kamloops residential school. To date, The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in Winnipeg have identified 4,135 children who died at residential schools.  

The loss of a child brings a grief that is universal. The loss of many, many children awoke something in us that could no longer stay quiet. Over the last few years, we have seen what many of us didn’t see before, and we are learning what we didn’t know before. We are learning Truth so that there can be Reconciliation.  

Mississippi Mills is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Anishinaabe (Algonquin) People. The Mississippi River was an important route for seasonal harvesting, fishing and trade. In 1763, the Crown promised that this area would remain Anishinaabe Territory. A short twenty years later in 1783, the British ignored this commitment and encouraged the settlement of Loyalists. In 1822, the British sold much of the remaining Anishinaabe Territory across the Ottawa Valley. This was done without consultation with the Anishinaabe People, who never surrendered claim to these lands. 

We can all take steps to raise our understanding about colonization and its ongoing effects, and to understand complete histories both locally and nationally. We can take steps to rebuild and renew relationships that may have been forgotten. We can take steps to learn more about the profound history and diversity of Indigenous Peoples. 

Here are some ideas:

  • Join our local Truth and Reconciliation Group or attend their events: Mississippi Mills All My Relations www.mmallmyrelations.ca/ 
  • Learn about the work of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: www.trc.ca 

Sincerely, 

Mayor Christa Lowry

Municipality of Mississippi Mills