Council Deepens Learning and Reflection at 7th Annual Land Acknowledgement Ceremony

Mississippi Mills Council hosted its 2026 Land Acknowledgement Ceremony during the January 27 meeting, coming together in shared reflection, learning, and respect.

With guidance from Algonquin Elder Larry McDermott of the Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation, Elder Barb Brant, Mohawk Nation of Tyendinaga, Turtle Clan, and Algonquin Knowledge Carrier Chuck Commanda of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, the event honoured the long history, culture, and ongoing presence of the Algonquin Anishinaabe First Nation, on whose unceded territory Mississippi Mills is located. The ceremony also paid respect to all First Nations, Inuit and Métis people from across Turtle Island, and is an important step in the Municipality’s work to build stronger relationships, deepen understanding, and support reconciliation in the community and beyond.

The evening began with a smudging ceremony, which Elder McDermott noted sets the tone for the year – “a tone of reconciliation, of two-eyed seeing and ethical space, meaning working together in a good way, sharing our stories and whatever comes to our hearts and minds.”

During the ceremony, Elder McDermott, Executive Director of Plenty Canada — who helped write the Mississippi Mills Land Acknowledgement Statement — showed a replica of the peace and friendship wampum belt originally made in 1764.

“As much as we watch global news and see what’s going on in the world, more than ever, peace and friendship is important and it does matter how each one of us carries ourselves and that we do so in those principles,” he said.

Mentored by Elders Sara Smith and Tom Porter, Elder Brant also serves on the Board of Directors for Ginawaydaganuc Village with Elder McDermott and Knowledge Carrier Commanda.

“Mississippi Mills, you have not only talked about reconciliation, but you have lived it now for a period of time, in real time,” she said. “There’s been no breach or break from that commitment that this community has made. These are things you should be proud of…You can tell that the vibration is now grounded. You can tell that there’s a quietness. I want to honour you for listening, because you’re not really listening to me, you’re listening to (our ancestors), and that’s the difference.”

Mayor Christa Lowry read the Mississippi Mills Land Acknowledgement Statement, and afterward, Council, staff, and guests shared food that had been blessed by Elder McDermott. Mayor Lowry said the community has taken small steps to “learn, develop relationships and build on what were broken relationships, but it’s a very long path to reconciliation.”

“In Mississippi Mills, the relationship between settlers and Indigenous peoples is an important part of our shared story,” stated Mayor Lowry. “This annual ceremony is a meaningful opportunity for Council to show our gratitude, honour Indigenous communities, and reaffirm our commitment to ongoing learning and reconciliation,” stated Mayor Lowry. “As we mark our seventh year of this gathering, I want to express my deep gratitude to Elders McDermott and Brant, and to Knowledge Carrier Commanda, for the wisdom and teachings they continue to share with us.” 

Knowledge Carrier Commanda, the grandson of the late Algonquin Elder William Commanda, is a birch bark canoe maker who works with schools to teach students the Seven Grandfather Teachings. He said this ceremony is an important reminder that we all share responsibility in our community.

“We’re also reminded that under one Creator we share one mind, one heart with one love and one determination, and that’s to take care of Mother Earth,” he stated. “Whatever we do to the earth, we are actually doing to ourselves.”

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For more information:

Ashley Kulp
Communications Coordinator
613-256-2064
akulp@mississippimills.ca