Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging

June is Pride Month in Canada. It's a time to celebrate the diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and to promote acceptance, equality, and inclusivity.

In a symbolic action to show solidarity and support for members of the 2SLBTQ+ community, Wilmot proudly flies the progress flag at the Township Administration Complex community flagpole for the month of June each year. The Township of Wilmot has also implemented policies to ensure that our services and facilities are accessible to all community members, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. 

The Township of Wilmot proudly supports and promotes organizations like Spectrum Community Space, which raises awareness about the challenges and discrimination faced by the 2SLGBTQ+ community and encourages education and understanding among all members of our community. Spectrum has organized a month full of events and activities that both celebrate members of our 2SLGBTQ+ communities and promotes equal rights and visibility.

As a Corporation, the Township of Wilmot stands with all peoples who have and continue to face oppression and marginalization. Racism has no place in this community  or anywhere.    

The Township strongly believes in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and in equality down to our core. It is a foundation upon which all decisions are made in how to serve residents, work with each other, and represent the Township.

The Township does not stand by any form of hate, whether it is spoken or endorsed, directly or  indirectly, explicitly or through complicity. Racism is racism, no matter how it is presented.    

While others have and continue to be oppressed and marginalized around the world and close to home, we must continue to recognize that what people of colour experience is not okay, real change is needed, and that not being a racist is not sufficient, we must be anti‐racist.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination recognizes that the injustices and prejudices fueled by racial discrimination take place every day. Observed annually on March 21, it commemorates the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960.

In Canada, this date is an opportunity to reflect on the fact that while progress has been made, Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities and religious minorities in Canada continue to face racism and discrimination every day. It is also a day to re-commit our efforts to combat all forms of racial discrimination, injustice, systemic racism and hate to ensure a world where everyone is respected, safe, and has equitable access to contribute meaningfully to all aspects of society.

The commemoration of Black History Month dates to 1926, when Harvard-educated African American historian Carter G. Woodson proposed setting aside a time devoted to honour the accomplishments of people of African Americans and to heighten awareness of Black history in the United States. This led to the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926. The celebration of Black history in Canada began shortly thereafter. During the early 1970s, the week became known as Black History Week and was expanded into Black History Month in 1976. In December 1995, the House of Commons officially and unanimously recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine. 

Educational Resources

• Ontario Black History Society is a registered Canadian charity, dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of Black History and heritage. The Society aims to encourage public interest in Black History.
• Ontario Black History Society Archives is a digital archive of people (historical and contemporary), places, oral tales, Black fiction and academic literature, and more.
• Black History in Canada Portal is a collection of timelines, articles, educational components, videos and more.
• 23 historical black Canadians you should know, is an interactive image from the CBC that shares the stories of black Canadians who made major contributions to Canada's culture and legacy.  

Black History Month Events: Museums, Organizations and Municipalities

The Township of Wilmot Council adopted the inclusion of a territorial acknowledgement statement to be read at Council Meetings. Council also supports such a statement being read, if so desired, at any committee meeting as well. If you would like to use the statement that was passed by Council, it is available below.

"We have gathered in Wilmot Township on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabeg (u‐nish‐a‐nah‐bey) Haudenosaunee (ho‐din‐a‐son‐ni) and Mississauga peoples.

We also want to acknowledge the importance of The Dish with One Spoon Covenant ‐ a peace agreement made between Indigenous nations before the Europeans arrived. It characterizes our collective responsibility to each other and Mother Earth ‐ we should take only what we need, leave enough for others and keep the dish clean.

By acknowledging this covenant and the First Nations, Métis and Inuit, we are reminded of our important connection to this land where we live, learn and work together as a community."

• Symbolic

  • Immediately removal of existing statues related to the Prime Ministers Path and the discontinuation of any future expansion or investment in the Prime Ministers Path as it exists today.

• Substantive

  • Creating a working group comprised of a balanced representation of the individuals and communities within Wilmot Township to discuss, develop and suggest plans for the implementation of next steps towards community cohesion and healing.

• Systemic

  • Committing to transforming community engagement and consultation processes in Wilmot Township in a way that encourages greater openness, accountability and citizen participation in decision making.

The Reconciliation Action Partnership (RAP), consisting of staff from the Region and all area municipalities, has formed to work closely with Indigenous communities to advance reconciliation, including working collaboratively on the development of a municipal Reconciliation Action Plan.

Through the RAP, municipal partners provide support and leadership to move the work forward within their respective municipality consistently and collaboratively. Within the partnership, several sub-committees have been established to support this work. The themes explored by the subcommittees impact every part of the organization. To further advance this work, staff from the Region and area municipalities have formed five (5) subcommittees to lead work in five specific areas of focus as outlined in the figure below.

Steps Towards Healing and Reconciliation

The Township of Wilmot is committed to taking the necessary steps towards healing and reconciliation with the Indigenous Community. 

• In 2021, Wilmot Council passed a motion to fly the "Every Child Matters" flag at the Wilmot Administration Complex for the month of September.
• All Wilmot staff are encouraged to participate in educational opportunities, to learn and better understand the impacts of the Residential School System on members of the Indigenous Community and Survivors.
• The Township is working with area municipalities to remove barriers to access of public spaces for Indigenous communities.
• Resources were made available to Township staff to provide education on the legacy impacts of the Residential School System, and the overall history of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
• In August 2022, Wilmot Council endorsed a staff recommendation authorizing a funding allocation of $2,000 towards an event honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 

Additional Resources 

• 21 things you may not know about the Indian Act 
• An Overview of the Indian Residential School System – a resource by the Union of Ontario Indians/Anishinabek Nation 
• Beyond 94: Truth and Reconciliation in Canada
• Chanie Wenjack 
• GoodMinds.com - First Nation, Inuit and Métis Books
• Indigenous Peoples and Communities in Canada
• Interactive map of residential schools
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• Reports of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
• Truth and Reconciliation: Calls to Action
• Truth and Reconciliation Final Report Summary
• Woodland Cultural Centre