Topic Archives: Planning

how Truth & Reconciliation interwine

The intention of the workshop was to raise awareness about the intersection of land use planning and Aboriginal & Treaty rights. In one short day, it is impossible to cover more than just the tip of the iceberg, but it did provide a broad overview of the history of colonialism in North America and how planning fits into that story.

On the 2nd of June 2015, Archbishop Fred Hiltz read an ecumenical response on behalf of Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and United church leaders “Acknowledging that their apologies for harms done at Indian residential schools “are not enough,”… [and] welcomed the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which they say will offer direction to their “continuing commitment to reconciliation” with Indigenous peoples.”

The relationship between Aboriginal communities and Canadian society continues to evolve in 2015. On the 2nd of June, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its Call to Action, and, among its many recommendations, advocated accepting Aboriginal claims over land and shifting of the burden of proving any limitations onto those asserting such limitations.

Several years ago, Mark Douglas, an Elder from Rama First Nation, offered a prayer of welcome at a planning event. He praised the long registration period that morning for the chance it gave everyone to greet and mingle, indicating that it represented the true spirit of consultation.

On the 7th of June 2012, the County of Simcoe hosted a professional development activity concerning the “Duty to Consult” with Aboriginal communities. The Lakeland District of OPPI brought together local Aboriginal representatives and planners in a half-day panel discussion to initiate a dialogue.

The planning issues that face a First Nation are much the same as those found in any small municipality -residential housing, environmental protection, economic development, etc.; however, the traditional relationship between Aboriginal People and the Crown is an ever-present context in which they are dealt with.

An overview of planning workshops held by and for Beausoleil First Nations.