Hamilton endorses strategy that includes a new Indigenous cultural centre

Hamilton has endorsed a plan that includes setting up a new Indigenous cultural centre, and including Indigenous people more in the decisions that impact them.

City councillors voted Monday to endorse a new urban Indigenous strategy. The 38-page document includes 40 recommendations, such as establishing and maintaining land for spiritual and ceremonial activities. It also recommends a training program for Indigenous youth at the city, and putting up signs that identify traditional Indigenous names for landmarks around Hamilton. 

None of that will happen immediately. City staff will bring the projects forward during future meetings and budget sessions, and city council will approve specifics then. But Monday's endorsement by the general issues committee sets this plan in motion.

The strategy is more than two years in the making. It began in December 2016 in response to calls for action from Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The co-ordinator of the city's plan consulted more than 500 Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents through a survey, workshops and community conversations. 

That survey found 41 per cent of Indigenous Hamiltonians experienced discrimination at some point when using city services, with another 63 per cent saying they felt it in the broader community.

The recommendations are divided into three areas — land, spirit and people. 

Those recommendations include:

• Use markers and signs to restore Indigenous names and identify significant Indigenous landmarks in Hamilton. This includes street names, trails and parks. 
• Raising awareness and strengthening the role of the city's Aboriginal advisory committee.
• Having more meaningful consultation with Indigenous residents and First Nations communities on municipal projects, plans and approvals.
• Partnering more with Indigenous communities and include elders.
• Establish and maintain a piece of land for Indigenous ceremonial and spiritual activities. 
• Work with Indigenous communities to educate staff and residents about traditional territories in Hamilton.
• Incorporate Indigenous stories and voices into the city's culture and heritage plans.
• Commission public art in a prominent location that honours the spirit of reconciliation.
• Set up a small grant program for individuals and community groups making a difference in reconciliation.
• Do more to educate Indigenous residents about their rights as tenants.
• Increase the number of Indigenous city employees and health-care professionals.