In November of 2021, Cobourg Municipal Council endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at the Town of Cobourg. This declaration has provided the framework for the Town to use in its on-going process of reconciliation with local First Nations and urban Indigenous peoples in the Town of Cobourg.
The 91 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada include 9 actions specifically related to municipalities. You can and are encouraged to read the entire document here to see what role you, your community and the country play in Truth and Reconciliation.
Interested to learn more about the land you live on? Visit www.whose.land to find out which Indigenous Nations, territories and communities you community has settled on. This tool is Canada wide and a great starting point in conversation about reconciliation and land acknowledgement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Truth, Reconciliation, and Justice
Support for survivors and their families of residential schools is available. If you are a former residential school student in distress, or have been affected by the residential school system and need help, you can contact the 24-hour Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419, or the Indian Residential School Survivors Society toll free line at 1-800-721-0066. Children and youth in crisis can also call and speak to a counsellor at Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 and youth identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ persons could call 1-800-268-9688.
The Town of Cobourg is committed to providing their support by:
We are here to listen and take suggestions moving forward on ensuring we have the Truth, before moving to Reconciliation and Justice.
Land Acknowledgement | ||
The Town of Cobourg respectfully acknowledge that we are located in the traditional and treaty territory of the Michi Saagiig (Mississauga) and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations.
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Alderville First Nation | ||
Alderville has been home to the Mississauga Anishinabeg of the Ojibway Nation since the mid-1830’s. Before that time the people lived in their traditional lands around Bay of Quinte (Grape Island) but with the influx of refugee settlement after the American Revolution their existence found itself under increased pressure. The British having lost the American colonies after 1783, were forced to relocate the soldiers and civilians that had been loyal to the King during the conflict. For this reason, the Bay of Quinte became one area of settlement for those who became known as the United Empire Loyalists. The Mississauga then were directly involved in early “land surrenders” along the St. Lawrence River and the Bay, allowing this resettlement to occur. |
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How to Show Your Support | ||
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Community Support Services | ||
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Resources & Organizations | ||
215 Pledge Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action
Indigenous Educational Resources
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Cobourg's '7 Feathers' Crosswalk |
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The installation of the Indigenous ‘Seven Feathers’ Crosswalk marks an important step towards reconciliation within our community while commemorating the legacy of residential schools in Canada. The crosswalk, located at Second Street and Albert Street, features seven feathers representing the seven guiding principles adopted by many Indigenous communities and organizations, which are Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Humility, Truth and Wisdom. The Town of Cobourg, in partnership with Alderville First Nation, hosted an unveiling ceremony of the Indigenous ‘Seven Feathers’ Crosswalk in recognition of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2021. |
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Treaties |
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Treaties are agreements made between the Government of Canada and Indigenous groups that define rights and obligations of both parties. There are over 40 treaties that cover Ontario and Cobourg is situated on land covered by the Williams Treaties 1923). As allies to our Indigenous residents and neighbours, it is our role to educate ourselves on Indigenous rights. Click here to read more about Treaties in Ontario. |
The Town of Cobourg would like to credit Andy Everson, a northwest coast artist from K’ómoks First Nation in B.C. for the creation of the "Every Child Matters" slogan and logo.