Wellbeing WR has made a commitment to develop meaningful relationships and work toward reconciliation with local First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. Part of this commitment includes developing resources and tools to support education with our community partners.
Territorial Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the land on which we gather today is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Chonnonton. We acknowledge the enduring presence of the Indigenous people with whom we share this land today, their achievements and their contributions to our community. We offer this acknowledgement as an act of reconciliation between Indigenous and non- Indigenous peoples of Canada.
First Nations, Métis, Inuit Advisory and Advocacy Circle
In collaboration with Indigenous leaders, the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Advisory and Advocacy Circle implements training, education, and tools to the working groups of WWR on Indigenous culture, history and the impacts of colonization, while providing opportunities for reflection on how to work towards reconciliation.
Acknowledgement of Elders and knowledge keepers who continue to ground us in the local community as part of this journey:
Donna Dubie
Elaine Garner
Jean Becker
Lois Macdonald
Nina DeShane Gil
Wanda Mae Wilson
Events and Initiatives
Louis Riel Day 2021
Past flag raisings and activities from previous Louis Riel Day commemorations, and information about the importance of Louis Riel from the Grand River Métis Council.
National Indigenous Peoples Day 2021
To commemorate and learn about the diverse cultures, experiences, and voices of First nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Download the poster to share in your network.
Knowledge and Information
Learn, Reflect, Practice
Ongoing
Wellbeing WR features a learning piece in each bi-weekly newsletter to assist readers in their personal journey to reconciliation. Each piece also includes a reflection and practice tip to enhance the learning experience.
Educational Resources
February, 2022
The Journey to Reconciliation includes a process of learning, reflecting, and practicing. This list of webpages, reports and organizations is a great place to start learning.
Territorial Acknowledgements
October, 2019
This document is one of Wellbeing Waterloo Region’s “living” (ever-changing) resources and tools to support education on acknowledging the land upon which we conduct ourselves with our community partners.
Traditional Medicines
July, 2019
This document outlines some of the many traditional medicines used in Indigenous cultures, which may vary from Nation to Nation. Traditional medicine can integrate mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well being.
Indigenous Community Consultations
September, 2018
The purpose of the Indigenous Community Consultations report is to provide an overview of the issues and calls to action identified through the one-to-one meetings with Indigenous leaders and allies.
The Community Consultations report provides an overview of the realities and calls to action identified in 2018 through the one-to-one meetings with Indigenous leaders and allies. Many of the same themes (Attitudinal and systemic racism, gaps in training and opportunities, tokenism, resource scarcity, culturally appropriate care etc.) continue to this day.