Region highlighting projects, advances in Truth and Reconciliation
Posted Sep 25, 2025 10:11:12 AM.
Last Updated Sep 25, 2025 10:47:35 AM.
As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation continues to get closer, the Region of Waterloo Council is looking to shine a light on the various projects and advancements it has been making towards remembrance and reflection across the local community.
The efforts are all in a push to raise attention for the Four R’s of Reconciliation: respect, relevance, reciprocity, and responsibility.
It comes as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is just around the corner, set for Tuesday, Sept. 30.
The region stated that it’s committed to implementing initiatives to support the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, which include “ongoing actions to support, protect, and celebrate Indigenous languages, histories and cultures, create more culturally safe spaces in Regional facilities, and deliver culturally informed and safe services for Indigenous peoples.”
Ongoing actions being taken by regional council include:
- Culturally safe programs and services, including Indigenous led child care that reflects traditional culture, knowledge, and wisdom;
- Affordable housing supports and rent supplements for Indigenous individuals and families;
- Culturally informed harm reduction and healing services;
- Indigenous led healthy child development programs and collaborations with Indigenous led organizations and youth to address mental health and other needs;
- Providing dedicated spaces for Indigenous community groups and removing barriers to access public spaces for cultural and ceremonial use;
- Highlighting Indigenous arts and culture through Every Child Matters bus wraps featuring local Indigenous artwork, in partnership with the Reconciliation Action Partnership (RAP);
- Murals, art, and artifacts exhibits and displays, curated collections, programming, and events at Regional facilities;
- Working with RAP and area municipalities to explore how Sacred Fire spaces could be integrated across all parks in the Region;
- Providing Indigenous-focused education and training to municipal staff across Waterloo Region; and
- Sharing space with Crow Shield Lodge, an Indigenous education and healing centre, within Doon Heritage Village
Council is also bringing specific attention to the creation of a new outdoor Indigenous space and public natural area right near the Region of Waterloo International Airport.
It stated that it’s been co-stewarded with local Indigenous partners, the area of which includes 18 archaeological sites where cultural belongings recovered indicate it has been inhabited for over 10,000 years.
Further details on initiatives being taken by the Region of Waterloo can be found on its Truth and Reconciliation website.
