Truth and Reconciliation

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.

We respectfully acknowledge that the Williams Treaties First Nations have been stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters, and that today remain vigilant over their health and integrity for generations to come.

In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, we acknowledge that these treaties have not always been honoured, and often they’ve been broken. We also acknowledge that we are all a part of building good relations.

We are all Treaty People.

View our Land Acknowledgement Guide.

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. 

Along this corridor the traditional economy of the Mississauga found itself under continued pressure for the next 40 years. The creation of Upper Canada and its colonization, and later the War of 1812, were events much larger than the Mississauga and other related groups could contain. Eventually, by the 1820’s, they found themselves forced to adapt and during this period a number converted to Christianity, primarily Methodism, from the Bay to the Western end of Lake Ontario. By 1826 the Methodists at the Bay had convinced the Mississauga to take up the development of a mission and attempts were made at teaching the people a new agrarian economy. On tiny Grape Island, the people learned to read, write, and to worship in a different manner, becoming a major target group of the early assimilation policies of Canadian church and state. 

While the people basically accepted the value of learning to read and write and adapting to a new economy, at the same time their sense of identity would not allow for a complete surrender of their cultural values and language. The Methodist experience among the Mississauga can best be described as a hybrid, or a mixed composition of traditional and western values and spiritual worldview. 

The Mississauga actually maintained a hold on many of their traditions including the Ojibway language all through the early decades of the Methodist experience. In realizing that harsher policy was being designed to eradicate these traditions did a stronger resistance develop in the communities. For ensuing generations, this resistance toward their complete assimilation existed and it has become the basis upon which the cultural survival of the people has been maintained.

For more information on the Alderville First Nation visit www.alderville.ca 

1. Read: Learn about Indigenous People by reading books on their history and culture. Visit the Cobourg Public Library to learn more.
2. Talk: Speak to your non-Indigenous family and friends about ongoing impacts and the residential school system. 
3. Follow: Connect with Indigenous writers, authors and journalists. 
4. Participate: Join virtual seminars and teaching opportunities.
5. Wear: Consider showing your support by wearing an orange ribbon or shirt. 
6. Memorial or Vigil: Arrange a porch light vigil with your neighbourhood.
7. Donate: Consider donating to organizations or charities that support Indigenous projects and causes. 
8. Children: Read together. Reflect. Start having conversations now. Download a colouring sheet here to print at home.
9. Advocate: Consider advocating for the 94 Calls to Action by calling MP Phillip Lawrence for Northumberland Peterborough-South and other elected officials. Sign the 215 pledge. 

• The Indian Residential School Survivors Society offers a crisis line for grief, crisis, and trauma counselling: 1-800-721-0066. 

• Talk4Healing is available online or by phone at 1-855-554-HEAL. 

• The Métis Nation of Ontario’s (MNO) Healing and Wellness branch has a 24-hour Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) Crisis Line, available in English and French. Once connected services can be delivered in person, over the phone, or by video conference: 1-877-767-7572. Non-urgent: Children and Youth (ages 0 – 17): 613-217-3143 Adults (ages 18+): 705-929-4753 Toll-Free Number: 1-800-263-4889 

• Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada. 

• Indigenous peoples across Canada can go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. The toll-free Help Line is reached at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.

• The Town of Cobourg's Land Acknowledgement Guide
• Canada Helps.Org
• Water First
• Indian Residential School Survivor Society

215 Pledge

• 215 Pledge and Resource Guide

Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action

• The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Reports
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada 94 Calls to Action
• United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous Educational Resources

• Indian Residential School Survivor Society
• Cobourg Public Library: 
• The History of Residential Schools in Canada
• CBC 10 Books about Residential Schools to Read with your Kids
• National Indigenous History Month Resources and Promotional material

Learn more about National Indigenous History Month.

Cobourg's '7 Feathers' Crosswalk

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.

Treaties 

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.