The County of Renfrew is taking the first steps towards Truth and Reconciliation with First Nations peoples in Canada. At the County of Renfrew council meeting last week (June 30th, 2021), history was made when everyone in attendance voted in favour of a motion put forward by Deep River Reeve Glenn Doncaster.
Recommendation #57 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, calls for professional development and training for public servants.
Doncaster says the federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments have been called on to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations.
In the motion presented by county councillor Doncaster, he requested staff begin dialogue with the Algonquins of Ontario and Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation on ways to advance efforts for truth and reconciliation in the County of Renfrew.
County staff and council will be also be educated on the history of Canada’s history with Indigenous Peoples.
Doncaster says by filling this knowledge and skills gap, the County of Renfrew will be able to implement further calls to action. Doncaster added the burden is on them and not the Algonquin people to make the first step.
