Back to Search“The Town of Wasaga Beach's first Indigenous Land Acknowledgement statement lacks specificity to the Town of Wasaga Beach,” said Mayor Brian Smith. “The new statement is a more accurate and meaningful recognition of the Town's commitment to recognizing, and working with, the First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. It emphasizes inclusivity and sustainable stewardship, and better reflects the spirit of truth and reconciliation.”
Wasaga Beach – The Town of Wasaga Beach has adopted a new Indigenous land acknowledgement to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day and National Indigenous History Month.
Land acknowledgements recognize and honor the local Indigenous community, their historical and current connection to the land, and the impacts of colonialism. However, they risk becoming token gestures rather than meaningful practice if not approached thoughtfully.
In 2022, the Town’s first land acknowledgement was borrowed verbatim from the Township of Clearwater.
To address concerns of meaningfulness and authenticity, in 2023 Town staff started work on crafting a new, made-in-Wasaga-Beach Indigenous land acknowledgement. Town staff also began working with the Inuit Identity Project to look for ways to promote greater inclusivity and increase First Nations representation in Town programming and events. For example, Inuit Identity Project curated a Pipe Ceremony and Art Exhibit during the Breaking the Ice Festival.
Wasaga Beach is located on the historical Lands of the Tionontati people, who were part of a larger Wyandot group until 1650. These lands spanned from Midland, Barrie to Craigleigth and were collectively known as Wendake. The Beaver wars and European interaction weakened the Wyandot group and they left or became absorbed into local First Nations groups. Since that time, the Anishanaabe and Three Fires Confederacy, and Haudenosaunee groups have continued to care and use this Land.
The strong spiritual connection to the waterways for these First Nations groups is proudly highlighted in the Town’s new land acknowledgement statements. They also state the Town’s commitment to inclusivity and reconciliation:
The Town of Wasaga Beach acknowledges it is located upon the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe people of the Three Fires Confederacy.
We also acknowledge that the people of the Wyandot Nation also inhabited these lands.
We acknowledge that these nations were sovereign nations existing before the arrival of settlers.
We respect the spiritual interconnection among these nations to the land and to the water.
We also acknowledge that waterways near us have a long history predating European arrival.
Since time immemorial, waterways were the lifeblood of the Indigenous people by trade and hunting routes.
We are dedicated to inclusivity of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people in our future stewardship of the land and the longest freshwater beach in the world.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we welcome the opportunity of learning to be sustainable caretakers of the land and waterways for all future generations.
The Town’s new land acknowledgement statement in its long form will be used during Council and inter-organizational meetings, and the short form will be used before during committee, and internal meetings.
Adopting this new land acknowledgment supports Council Priority #42 – Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion: Increase representation of First Nations in cultural events.
Quick facts
- In September 2022, past Council made a decision to adopt the Town’s first land acknowledgement, which was a direct duplication of Clearview Township’s land acknowledgement with the Town of Wasaga Beach’s name inserted.
- In 2023, current Council expressed a desire for a more authentic land acknowledgement that is more accurate and meaningful to the First Nations that have, and currently, occupy our specific geographic region.
- During a June 13, 2024 Council meeting, CEO of the Inuit Identity project, Muckpaloo Ipeelie, presented Council with an educational session on the Indigenous groups that have occupied our region.
Additional resources
See the Town’s new land acknowledgement here: wasagabeach.com/Indigenious-Land-Acknowledgment
Learn more about land acknowledgements and why they matter.
Learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Background
The Town of Wasaga Beach aims to be a place where people come to create memories that will last a lifetime. This project supports Council’s priorities: to create opportunities to diversify the economy, create jobs and build a complete community. It’s part of the Town’s plan to become a leader in sustainability, creativity, innovation and fun – a place with thriving businesses and safe, inclusive and complete neighbourhoods where we celebrate our rich history, diversity of cultures and natural beauty, including the Nottawasaga River, Georgian Bay and the longest freshwater beach in the world.
Media calls:
Sandra Watts
Director of Strategic Communications & Intergovernmental Affairs
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