Cambridge Council waives rental fees for Indigenous groups

The City of Cambridge Council has voted to waive rental-related facility fees for Indigenous groups for ceremonies and cultural events in commemoration of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This measure was considered as part of an update presented during a Council meeting this evening on the development of a region-wide Reconciliation Action Plan–an ongoing collaborative process committed to building relationships with local Indigenous communities and focusing on Indigenous-centered, municipally supported initiatives.

Municipal staff across the region have heard from Indigenous community members that access to space for cultural and ceremonial use can be a barrier to practicing cultural customs and traditions.

Other area municipalities are also bringing forward motions to their Councils to permanently waive facility rental fees in facilities for First Nation, Metis and Inuit community members for cultural and ceremonial use starting September 30.

“Removing costs and barriers to these spaces is not only key to accessibility and equity, but essential as we aim to support Indigenous peoples and the right to practice cultural customs and traditions,” said Mayor Kathryn McGarry. “This is one step in our broader Reconciliation Action Plan. I encourage everyone in our community to continue to learn about Indigenous peoples’ culture and customs, Canada’s treatment of First Nations and the atrocities of the residential school system. Speaking and learning the truth is one of the first steps in truth and reconciliation.”

The report also outlines additional plans to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. September 30 is meaningful as it is also Orange Shirt Day, a day to recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, and to honour their survivors, their families and communities.

September 30 reflects on the story of Phyllis Webstad, an Indigenous woman who was taken to Residential School when she was six years old in 1973. At the time, her orange shirt was taken from her, and has come to symbolize the pain and losses experienced by those who went to Residential School over the generations, and as a reminder that every child matters.

City staff are working to develop activities and actions to support the Indigenous community in their healing, to educate staff and the community about residential schools, and to show the City’s support for the day. This includes:

• Providing a list of spaces for gatherings to Indigenous communities and suspending rental-related fees for Indigenous groups.

• Building awareness of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through social media, encouraging City staff to wear orange and lighting the CAMBRIDGE sign and bridge orange on September 30, and raising the Every Child Matters flag from September 20 – October 4 at City Hall to honour the children. Flags at City facilities continue to be flown at half-mast in honour of the confirmation of the graves of children found at former Residential School sites.

• Deepen learning opportunities for staff about residential schools and their long-lasting impact. A program of virtual activities will be offered on September 30, providing an opportunity for staff to educate themselves and reflect on Indigenous history in Canada and within Cambridge. This will include reading and webinar materials.

• Assisting the Waterloo Region Age-Friendly Network in hosting a virtual information workshop with the Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Minister of Energy, Natural Resources and Forestry on Thursday, September 17, 2021. This workshop will discuss Residential Schools and how we can work towards reconciliation and healing. Registration to attend is open to everyone.

The City of Cambridge is situated upon the traditional territories of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We extend our respect to all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples for their past and present contributions to this land.

To learn more about the Reconciliation Action Plan and activities for September 30, please read the full report or watch the Council session online. 

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Background

Started in 2020, the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group is a partnership between the Region of Waterloo and area municipalities, in consultation with local Indigenous groups, to coordinate efforts to guide municipal actions and ensure a consistent and collaborative approach to reconciliation efforts across the Waterloo Region.

The City’s recently updated Strategic Plan Cambridge Connected includes “Enhanced Equity and Inclusion Efforts” as one of 13 strategic actions that the City will focus on over the next several years.  An important part of this effort will be continued implementation of the Stronger Together: Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Action Plan which incorporates reconciliation.

Our Accessibility and Diversity Team support staff to appropriately deliver a territorial acknowledgement before meetings, ceremonies and events; has implemented Indigenous Intercultural Competency training for staff; and promotes opportunities to encourage staff to engage in ongoing learning.

Primary Media Contact:

Susanne Hiller
Director, Corporate Communications
City of Cambridge
hillers@cambridge.ca