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Indigenous Support and Resources

HomeRegional GovernmentDiversity, Equity and InclusionIndigenous Support and Resources
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The Region of Durham exists on lands that the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg inhabited for thousands of years prior to European colonization. These lands are the traditional and treaty territories of the Nations covered under the Williams Treaties, including the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, Alderville First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, and the Chippewa Nations of Georgina Island, Beausoleil and Rama. 
 
We honour, recognize, and respect Indigenous Peoples as rights holders and stewards of the lands and waters on which we have the privilege to live. In our efforts towards reconciliation, we continue to build and strengthen relationships with First Nations, as well as the large Métis community and growing Inuit community here in Durham. We commit to learning from Indigenous values and knowledge, building opportunities for collaboration, and recognizing that we are all connected.
 

Learn more about treaties and land acknowledgements, the Williams Treaties First Nations Settlement Agreement and its signatories, the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, Alderville First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, and the Chippewa Nations of Georgina Island, Beausoleil and Rama.

An Orange crosswalk with mocassins in front of Durham Regional HeadquartersFirst Nations, Inuit and Métis communities have distinct histories, languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. Learn more about respecting the cultural diversity of Indigenous communities.

Durham Region recognizes the painful legacy and continued impact of colonization, residential schools and discriminatory laws on Indigenous communities. The Region is committed to advancing truth and reconciliation, and working towards building renewed relationships to address past harms. At Regional Headquarters, we have installed a commemorative orange crosswalk and accompanying plaque to honour the children taken, families left behind and survivors of Canada's residential school system.

This permanent installation represents our pathway forward; our commitment to walking beside Indigenous communities; continuing our learning journey; and creating spaces for healing and community building.

Two feathers on an orange background.
Residential School Survivors

Residential School Survivors Helpline: 1-866-925-4419

We are sharing information and resources for Indigenous Peoples and others impacted by the residential school system on this page. This content includes distressing information - we hope that you can access the resources you need to feel supported.

Indian Residential School Survivor's Society (IRSSS)

A provincial organization with a twenty-year history of providing services to Indian Residential School Survivors. 

Watch the following videos to learn more about the devastating impact of the residential school system. 

  • April Andre - One Indigenous Family and Canada’s Colonial Legacies 
  • Joan Trudeau - Surviving Canada’s Residential School System
Orange shirts laying on a hill.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Each year on September 30 the Region acknowledges National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day provides us with time to reflect on relationships—both past and present—with Indigenous Peoples. This is just one step on the long and important journey ahead towards reconciliation.

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released a comprehensive report on residential schools and their lasting impacts. The report included 94 Calls to Action that provide a road map towards reconciliation for all sectors of Canadian society. 

Learn more:

  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action
  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Plain-Language Summary) | The Canadian Encyclopedia
  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report: By the numbers | CBC News
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation flag raised at Durham Regional Headquarters.
Indigenous Organizations

 

Métis Nation of Ontario - Oshawa and Durham Region Métis Council 

 

Tungasuvvingat Inuit

Bawaajigewin - An Aboriginal Community Circle Oshawa

Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) 

Legacy of Hope Foundation

Hope for Wellness Chat

Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM)

Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle (NASC)

 Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

 

Land Acknowledgements

A territorial or land acknowledgement is an act of reconciliation that involves making a statement recognizing the traditional territory of the Indigenous Peoples who called the land home since time immemorial, before the arrival of settlers.

As guests on this land, it is important that we acknowledge the distinct impact of colonialism that prevents the people, animals and plants, who are Indigenous to this territory, from being here. It is imperative for us to take the time to learn and understand the stories of the true knowledge keepers of the land that we currently call home.

In developing your statement, ensure you know the correct name of the Indigenous Peoples stewarding the land and can pronounce the names properly. Use past, present and future tense to show that you are aware that Indigenous Peoples are still here and continue to be stewards of this land. Although the statement is a significant acknowledgement, it should not be sorrowful or apologetic but instead evoke a sense of empowerment with Indigenous Peoples.

 Tools and Resources

Note: The content listed below may include distressing details for viewers and readers. Support is available - please use the resources on this page or call the helpline for residential school survivors at 1-866-925-4419.  

  • Senator Murray Sinclair: The truth is hard. Reconciliation is harder.
  • Namwayut: we are all one. Truth and reconciliation in Canada. 
  • Indigenous storytelling as a political lens
  • Canada's missing and murdered Indigenous women  
  • Searching for the Lost Graves of Indigenous Children in Canada
  • Who are the Anishinabek?
  • Canadians have been breaking their promises to the Indigenous people
  • Thousands of Kids Died in Residential Schools, Now They’re Being Found
  • Cultural Mindfulness: Everyone Has a Story
  • CBC Gem - Indigenous Stories
  • National Film Board (NFB) of Canada – Indigenous Made Cinema
  • Centre for First Nations Governance 
  • First Peoples of Canada Before Contact
  • Indigenous Peoples - Canada.ca
  • Indigenous Primary Health Care Council All Our Relations Toolkit
  • Assembly of First Nations (AFN) It’s Our Time Toolkit
  • Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP)
  • 215 Pledge
  • Learn what is and what is not Reconciliation

Culturally safe counseling and support resources for Indigenous peoples

For immediate support, call the Residential School Survivors Helpline: 1-866-925-4419. 

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