Sarnia City Council is taking time to consider a possible change to the Traditional Territory Acknowledgement so staff can look at the legalities surrounding the wording.
Two recommendations from the UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) Working Group were presented during Monday's council meeting: to update the territory acknowledgment and for communications staff to help promote events and awareness campaigns such as Red Dress Day and Orange Shirt Day.
The recommended Traditional Territory Acknowledgment statement:
"We acknowledge that the City of Sarnia is located on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabeg, who have longstanding relationships to the lands and waters of the St. Clair River since time immemorial. We also recognize the historic and continuing connections of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, and Bkejwanong Walpole Island First Nation.
This area is subject to the 1827 Treaty of Amhertsburg, the implementation and honouring of which remain matters of ongoing action for the Anishinaabe Nations and all concerned.
We recognize that First Nations rights and relationships to the St. Clair River and surrounding lands have never been extinguished, and that treaty obligations continue to carry meaning today. The City of Sarnia is committed to respectful relationships, meaningful engagement, reconciliation, and continued learning."
Councillors George Vandenberg and Bill Dennis questioned the length of the formal statement and the language used.
"Language like this can be interpreted as raising questions about land rights and ownership in our community," Dennis said. "I am hearing directly from residents who are worried about what this could mean for their homes, their businesses, and their future."
Councillor Anne Marie Gillis, who's also a member of the UNDRIP Work Group, said the expanded statement served an educational purpose in specifying the First Nations in the area, while sharing responsibility in keeping the St. Clair River clean.
"It's just another way to educate and give more information about our neighbours," Gillis said.
Councillor Terry Burrell said he didn't support the original land acknowledgement and would not support this one.
"I don't think it acknowledges all of the First Nations that were in this area," Burrell said while referencing Lake Huron communities.
Councillor Adam Kilner said he felt the statement captured the relationship with First Nation communities in a meaningful way.
"I support it because I believe that it's part of who we are as Sarnia," Kilner said. "I think it's who our connections and neighbours are with Walpole Island, Kettle and Stony Point, and Aamjiwnaang, that we continue to kind of forge that."
City Solicitor Emma Nicholson confirmed the recommended territory acknowledgement had not been reviewed by legal staff but could be by the next council meeting.
Vandenberg moved for the matter to be tabled until the May 25 meeting.
"I think we'd all be maybe just a little more comfortable," Vandenberg said.
The motion passed unanimously.
