Learn about Reconciliation

Learn about the City of Waterloo’s ongoing work to honour Indigenous history and support Reconciliation in our community.

On this page:

  1. Territorial acknowledgement
  2. Response to Truth and Reconciliation Commission
  3. Indigenous communities use of space
  4. O:se Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp
  5. National Indigenous History Month
  6. Canada Day

Territorial acknowledgement

Waterloo is situated on the land traditionally cared for by the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Chonnonton Peoples.

We acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge and philosophies of the Indigenous People with whom we share this land today.

The city’s Get READI Plan includes a fuller territorial acknowledgement that explores the history and ongoing Reconciliation work in Waterloo. Read the full acknowledgement (PDF, page 4).

Response to Truth and Reconciliation Commission

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) released its findings and 94 Calls to Action to redress the residential schools legacy and advance Reconciliation.

The Calls to Action are directed at all levels of government, the private sector and Canadians as a whole.

City of Waterloo response

In 2019, city council adopted a territorial acknowledgement that councillors and staff are encouraged to use at meetings and in written documents. Read the full response (PDF, page 115).

While offering a territorial acknowledgement is important, we remain mindful it is a starting place on a journey toward Reconciliation. It requires that we engage in further learning, conversation and action or we risk simply reciting empty words. 

In August 2020, council approved a report that outlines next steps. These included:

  • developing of a Reconciliation Action Plan
  • creating a policy to help Indigenous people use public spaces for cultural and ceremonial practices
  • waiving rental fees for Indigenous events

Read the full report (PDF, page 29).

Coordinating regional efforts

The City of Waterloo is an active member of the Reconciliation Action Partnership, a group of municipal representatives coordinating efforts to support Indigenous-centred initiatives across Waterloo Region.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of this tragic and painful history and ongoing impact is a vital to the Reconciliation process.

The City of Waterloo is committed to the important work of learning and unlearning that is required to move towards Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. City services will remain open, but staff will spend time reflecting and learning in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Taking action on Reconciliation

In the spirit of Reconciliation and National Indigenous History Month, the City of Waterloo commissioned three replica Wampum belts.

Kahlunyunti (Martin Powless) of Oneida Nation of the Thames, the artist who recreated the belts, presented the belts to Council on June 3, 2024, and provided some teaching on their history. View the video recording of the presentation at the council meeting.

The 3 belts are:
  • Hiawatha Wampum
  • Two-Row Wampum
  • Dish with One Spoon Wampum

These belts are a physical representation of the oral history of treaties and settlement of the area around the Great Lakes Region extending along a portion of the St. Lawrence River, which we all call home. These are significant representations of our colonial history and are still seen to this day as a reminder to all of us of the responsibilities we hold as treaty people.

Indigenous communities use of space

We're working with the City of Kitchener to make it easier for Indigenous communities to access public spaces.

We're waiving rental-related fees for eligible Indigenous cultural and ceremonial events. Learn how to book space on our Indigenous communities use of space page.

O:se Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp

In 2020, members of the Indigenous community gathered in Victoria Park in Kitchener and Waterloo Park. Both places are important to local Indigenous history and traditions.

Known as the O:se Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp, the group gathered peacefully to advance Reconciliation actions.

For more information, visit the O:se Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp Facebook page.

National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month, an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

We honour the culture, resilience and contributions of Indigenous peoples, communities, and nations who have called and continue to call this area home.

While this month is a time for all of us to deepen our understanding of Indigenous culture, activism, art, education and science, it is also a time for intentional reflection. We all need to face the hard truths of colonialism and recognize that racism and systemic barriers continue to exist for Indigenous communities.   

There are many Indigenous created or co-created resources available to support you on your learning journey.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Each year on June 21, the city takes part in National Indigenous Peoples Day.

We have partnered with local artist Maddie Resmer to create an original art piece on the surface of Waterloo Public Square. This artwork serves as a visual reminder of the territory and land on which our city was founded.

Visit the event webpage for updates on this year's celebration.

Canada Day

While a celebration for many in our community, it is important to note that Canada Day historically commemorates Canadian confederation and patriotism, often ignoring the colonialization of Indigenous peoples and cultures.

The ongoing identification of hundreds of Indigenous children’s remains at former Indian Residential School sites is a tragic reminder of the traumas and injustices caused by the residential school system and Canada’s treatment of Indigenous people.

Mindful of the harm experienced by Indigenous people by ongoing colonialism and sensitive to the potential harm of a traditional Canada Day celebration, respectful commemoration must include a solemn acknowledgement of our full history. July 1 is not a day of celebration for everyone in our community and we recognize Canada’s unjust treatment of Indigenous peoples.

The city continues to mark Canada Day as an opportunity to come together as a community, remembering the past, and working together for a better Waterloo. We are committed to the work of Reconciliation and a better future for everyone.