Collaboration on archaeological work earns provincial award for diversity, equity, and inclusion

Waterloo Region – The collaboration between Indigenous Communities and a Regional project team to successfully investigate a Late Woodland (1400 – 1600 CE) village has been recognized by the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA).

The OPWA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) award was celebrated at a Region of Waterloo Planning and Works Committee meeting on June 4. The award aims to recognize the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the public works industry.

“The creation of this award signifies the importance of incorporating DEI work into infrastructure projects across Ontario and into how we work at the Region,” said Jennifer Rose, Commissioner of the Region’s Engineering and Environmental Services and President of the Ontario Public Works Association. “We must ensure that going forward we continue to support the preservation of Indigenous history and cultures.”

Over 128,600 artifacts were excavated by hand on Fischer-Hallman Road in Kitchener. The site’s preservation allowed for a detailed reconstruction of what life was like in a Late Woodland village 600 years ago.

The Region, its archaeologists, consultants, contractors, and several Indigenous Communities worked together to complete an archaeological assessment as part of Fischer-Hallman Road improvements between 2020 and 2023. Through ongoing engagement, Indigenous partners monitored archaeological excavations and reviewed findings.

“Working together in this way aligns with the Region’s commitment to fulfilling the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” says Colleen James, Regional Councillor and Chair of the Region’s Planning and Works Committee. “We continue to build trust and work alongside Indigenous partners as we collectively work to steward this land for our residents today and for future generations.”

The model used by the Region and its Indigenous partners to work together on the archaeological assessment is now being adopted by other municipalities in Ontario.

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