top of page

Preparing for National Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30th

We want to first start this post blog off with a land acknowledgement to pay tribute to the land we work on: 


The Grove Hubs (formerly the Integrated Youth Services Network) respectfully acknowledges that Thaninadonnih to the Mohawk nation or the shores of the Um-ne-mo-sah River to the Mississaugas, what is known by many today as Guelph-Wellington, was built on the traditional lands of the Neutral, Anishinaabek, and Haudenosaunee peoples and the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit. These groups have had systems of responsibility in place acting as caretakers to the lands and waters since time immemorial. We would like to recognize that the following mental health hubs, current and future, reside on:


Between the Lakes Treaty No. 3 (1792);

• Shelldale Family Gateway,

• The YMCA of Three Rivers – Guelph location,

• University of Guelph

• Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (Woolwich Site),

• The Grove - Fergus located at the Skyline Community Hub (partnership with the B-Hive

– Big Brothers Big Sisters Center Wellington),


Ajetance Treaty, No. 19 (1818);

• Palmerston (partnership with Minto Mental Health, Town of Minto), and

• Erin Main Place Youth Centre (partnership with East Wellington Community Services).


We recognize and understand the historical and continued injustices First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities embody from the on-going fight for Indigenous sovereignty, and we are committed to building relationships and trust with Indigenous communities. We acknowledge the importance of learning Indigenous history, listening to contemporary experiences, and engaging in an intentional path looking forward. Our commitment to building trust and reconciliation with First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities is one we know does not happen overnight, as the work to move towards decolonization has only just begun. 


The Grove Hubs will remain accountable to upholding its commitment to Indigenous resurgence and Indigenization within the community hubs. These commitments will be actioned through collaboration with First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples on educational opportunities, programming, and evaluation at hub sites. The Grove Hubs is committed to providing employment, volunteer and leadership opportunities for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples.


The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to acknowledge the painful history and ongoing impacts faced by Indigenous peoples. This is a time to focus on what more we can do to learn about the history and what is happening in Indigenous communities today as well as how we can work toward reconciliation. There are a number of events in our local communities to commemorate National Truth and Reconciliation Day. Some of these events include: 


Here are some resources to learn more about Indigenous culture and services: 


  • Anishnabeg Outreach offers supports and services for reconciliation training, they have an Indigenous-focused EarlyON program focused on meeting the needs of the diverse Indigenous population in Waterloo region, Indigenous-led paint nights, beading workshops, ribbon skirt and shirt workshops, and many more resources.

  • Crow Shield Lodge offers services for land-based healing, sharing circles, and sweat lodge. They are built upon the four pillars of education, healing, reconciliation, and land stewardship, offering services to help support individuals in all of these areas.

University of Guelph Indigenous Student Centre- Indigenous Student Supports | University of Guelph (uoguelph.ca)

  • Offers services in Indigenous student advising, counselling services, cultural advising and supports, and sharing circles.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation- NCTR - National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

  • The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation offers an abundance of Free virtual programs and events that are open to the public to support individuals in education, healing, and reconciliation.


Our sites will be honouring National Truth and Reconciliation day by having our whole team wearing orange shirts. We will also have colouring books and colouring pages around our sites that were created by an Indigenous artist. On September 30th, our sites will be playing various short films by Indigenous filmmakers, as well as sharing information about Orange Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation throughout all our sites. 


For more information about The Grove Wellington Guelph and how we are celebrating National Truth and Reconciliation Day , visit www.thegrovehubs.ca.


Comments

bottom of page