Cultural Awareness and Relationship Building with Indigenous Peoples 1
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2020 Cultural Awareness and Relationship Building with Indigenous Peoples 1 Town of Devon 2 Table of Contents Preface ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 Using this Document ................................................................................................................................. 5 Purpose of this Document ........................................................................................................................ 5 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 6 About the Town of Devon ......................................................................................................................... 6 Town of Devon Indigenous Engagement Mission and Vision ...................................... 6 Vision ......................................................................................................................................................... 6 Mission ...................................................................................................................................................... 6 Commitment to Indigenous Peoples and the Treaty Relationship ........................................................... 6 Why Indigenous Engagement ................................................................................................................... 7 Genuine Engagement ................................................................................................................................ 7 Treaty Territory and Land Acknowledgement ..................................................................... 7 Indigenous Cultures and Communities .................................................................................... 9 Visiting a Community .............................................................................................................................. 10 Understanding Treaties ................................................................................................................. 10 Royal Proclamation of 1763 .................................................................................................................... 10 Jay Treaty ................................................................................................................................................ 10 Treaty Principles ...................................................................................................................................... 11 Treaty Number Six .................................................................................................................................. 12 Métis Nation Regions .............................................................................................................................. 15 Engagement ......................................................................................................................................... 16 Responsibilities at the Municipal Level ................................................................................................... 16 The Consultation Process ........................................................................................................................ 17 What happens when a proposed development is found to have a culturally significant area .............. 18 Current Legislation ........................................................................................................................... 19 The Indian Act ......................................................................................................................................... 19 Constitution Act 1982 ............................................................................................................................. 20 International Rights of Indigenous Peoples ............................................................................................ 21 Indigenous Engagement Objectives and Best Practices ............................................. 21 Implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action .......... 23 Town of Devon 3 The Town of Devon and Truth and Reconciliation.................................................................................. 24 Understanding the Community .................................................................................................. 27 Sincere Approach .................................................................................................................................... 28 Introductions ........................................................................................................................................... 28 Protocol and Honorarium .............................................................................................................. 29 Tobacco ................................................................................................................................................... 29 Types of Tobacco .................................................................................................................................... 30 Prints/Flags ............................................................................................................................................. 31 Elders and Protocol ................................................................................................................................. 31 Honorarium ............................................................................................................................................. 31 Ceremony ................................................................................................................................................ 32 Building Relationships .................................................................................................................... 32 Transparency ........................................................................................................................................... 33 Equality .................................................................................................................................................... 33 Maintaining Relationships ....................................................................................................................... 33 Future Opportunities ....................................................................................................................... 36 Where to find more Information ................................................................................................ 37 List of Nations and Organizations ............................................................................................................ 37 References ............................................................................................................................................ 41 Town of Devon 4 Town of Devon 5 Preface This framework is an initiative supported and implemented by the Town of Devon for use by municipal staff, government and community members. In Canada, there has been a growing awareness of historical and contemporary topics about Indigenous Peoples, especially in regard to intergenerational trauma caused by the Indian residential school system, sixties-scoop, colonization and Indigenous rights. Generally, there is also a greater demand and need for more awareness of Indigenous cultures. Through awareness and education comes respect and understanding, and from respect and understanding comes the breakdown of barriers, stigmas, stereotypes, racism and prejudice. Canadians should make it a priority to become educated; not educated in the traditional sense of sitting in a classroom, but education in the sense of interacting with Indigenous communities, attending events, and sitting with community members, whether they be Elders, leadership, or the general public. We must pave the way for our own individualized learning about the vast Indigenous cultures of the land and take an empathetic and genuine approach to learning about the true history of Canada and the history of Indigenous Peoples. Many Canadians have little to no understanding of Treaties and although they may seem like ancient documents, many of the Treaties were signed only within the last few centuries and are still legally binding to this day. This document is not intended, in any way, to fully educate the reader on every historical aspect, treaty right or cultural detail, but instead to be an introductory guide and plan in helping the reader develop a general understanding of the Treaty relationship. Using this Document This document has been created for the Town of Devon leadership, staff, and residents who have a direct and/or indirect role in planning, developing and implementing Indigenous and community engagement activities. It is meant to be used as an introductory reference guide. Purpose of this Document The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the engagement and relationship building process between the Town of Devon and Indigenous Peoples. It will assist the Towns relationship building efforts and will serve as an educational document allowing the reader to gain a basic understanding about various topics related to Indigenous engagement. **Disclaimer: