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Every child matters, today and every day, and as Canada mourns the 215 children discovered in a mass grave on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, collectively the members of the Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table are deeply troubled. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and communities who have experienced such an unspeakable loss.
It is with heavy hearts that we recognize not only these 215 lost souls, but all of the children who lost their lives through the Canadian residential school system. We also remember the survivors who, for too many years, have suffered unimaginable abuses. We recognize the impact this profound human suffering continues to have on Indigenous communities today.
May this terrible discovery strengthen the resolve of the Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table to continue to honour the Calls to Action set out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table hereby commits to continue to strengthen Indigenous-Municipal relations in Muskoka by:
- Continuing to provide Indigenous Awareness training to municipal staff;
- Supporting initiatives that focus on educating the broader community on Indigenous history;
- Celebrating Indigenous contributions and cultures within Muskoka;
- Honouring traditional Indigenous knowledge and approaches as Muskoka’s Indigenous Nations and municipalities work together on new initiatives; and
- Ensuring the Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table continues to grow, thrive and welcome more Indigenous voices to the table.
Further, the Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table commits to advocating to the Federal Government of Canada to ensure resources are committed to uncover, at last, every child who did not return to their family and community so that the true impact of the Canadian Residential School system will finally be known.
The Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table was established in 2019 to strengthen relations between the eight Indigenous Councils and Nations that have a current or historic interest in the lands that encompass Muskoka, and Muskoka’s seven municipalities. In October 2020, the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) recognized the District of Muskoka with an “Honourable Mention” for the creation of their Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table. For more information about the Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table, please go to www.engagemuskoka.ca/mailt.
Respectfully,
John W. Klinck, on Behalf of the Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table (MAILT)
District Chair
THE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY OF MUSKOKA
cc.
- Chief Barron King, Moose Deer Point First Nation
- Chief Phillip Franks, Wahta Mohawks First Nation
- Chief Ted Williams, Chippewas of Rama First Nation
- President Erin Hadaway, Moon River Métis Council
- Councillor Vince Chechock, Wasauksing First Nation
- Jean-Phillipe Thivierge, Huron-Wendat Nation
- Natasha Charles, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation
- Scott Aitchison, MP Parry Sound-Muskoka
- Norm Miller, MPP Parry Sound-Muskoka
- Mayor Graydon Smith, Town of Bracebridge
- Mayor Paul Kelly, Town of Gravenhurst
- Mayor Karin Terziano, Town of Huntsville
- Mayor Peter Koetsier, Township of Georgian Bay
- Mayor Phil Harding, Township of Muskoka Lakes
- Mayor Terry Glover, Township of Lake of Bays
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