Innisfil proclaims National Indigenous History Month

Whereas the Town of Innisfil formally acknowledges that it is situated on Treaty land that is steeped in rich Indigenous history; and

Whereas the Town of Innisfil also acknowledges that this land is the Traditional Territories of the First Peoples of Turtle Island and is shared between the Anishinaabe peoples of Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation; and

Whereas, by unanimous vote in the House of Commons in 2009, June was declared as National Indigenous History Month in Canada; and

Whereas the Government of Canada designated June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day – the date chosen because it corresponds to the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and for generations many Indigenous Peoples’ groups have celebrated their culture and heritage at this time of year; and

Whereas the contributions of Indigenous Peoples to Innisfil’s past, present, and future are significant but often not well recognized and we commit to advancing Truth and Reconciliation in relationship with Indigenous peoples and communities.

Now Therefore, I, Mayor Lynn Dollin on behalf of Innisfil Council hereby proclaim June 2023 as “National Indigenous History Month” and June 21, 2023 as “National Indigenous Peoples Day” in the Town of Innisfil and urge all residents to take this opportunity to honour Indigenous history and culture, and to recognize the profound ways that Indigenous peoples have shaped our Town’s rich culture and communities.