How cities in Waterloo region are responding to TRC Calls to Action

More than four years after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report, the cities in Waterloo Region are responding to the Calls to Action.

One of the most significant changes of 2020 will be an education course for municipal staff on Indigenous people and their history. 

Of the 94 Calls to Action released in the Dec. 2015 TRC report, there are at least 13 that either address municipal governments or apply to all levels of government.

One example:

• TRC Call to Action #57:  We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism. 

The cities of Kitchener and Waterloo released action plans in the last year on how they would respond to the TRC Calls to Action. The City of Cambridge acknowledged in a 2019 Diversity, Accessibility and Inclusion Action Plan update it's not on track to "understand and assess" the Calls to Action. The city was supposed to do so in 2018-19, but pushed back the goal to 2020.

But Cambridge is the first city in the region to pilot an "Indigenous cultural competency training program" for public servants. The city, along with Kitchener, Waterloo and the Region of Waterloo plan to introduce permanent staff training early this year.

"[Staff] need to understand Indigenous history," said Janette MacDonald, community engagement consultant with the City of Kitchener. 

"It's important to understand the impact of legislation and the residential school system on Indigenous people and how it's continuing to impact Indigenous people today in this country."

'Hugely problematic'

Jean Becker, senior director of Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Waterloo, is disappointed in how slowly the local cities have responded to TRC Calls to Action. 

"It's hugely problematic because the TRC has already been with us for nearly five years," said Becker, who also sits on the City of Kitchener's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force.

"There's a very poor response generally by this region in addressing the specific needs of Indigenous people who are living in the region." 

Becker points out other municipalities responded quickly after the commission released its report.

Vancouver, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and even the small community of Sioux Lookout, Ont. all declared a 'Year of Reconciliation' after the release of the TRC report. 

Toronto responded to the TRC Calls to Action in 2015, including a professional development course for public servants. The province of Ontario also introduced mandatory indigenous cultural sensitivity and anti-racism training for all public service employees in 2016.

'Lengthy process'

So why has it taken years to act for cities in Waterloo Region? 

"We want to make sure that we get it right," said Pamela Albrecht, community outreach coordinator with the City of Waterloo.

"It's going to be a lengthy process. These actions are a beginning and definitely not an end."

MacDonald says the City of Kitchener began consultation with Indigenous groups two years ago. She adds the city has been careful not to treat the Calls to Action like a checklist and to "honour the intent of the work of the TRC."

The City of Cambridge declined an interview, but an emailed statement said "we've already implemented the Indigenous Territorial Acknowledgement before our Council meetings."

Kitchener, Waterloo and the Region of Waterloo have also introduced land acknowledgements, recognizing the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.

Calls to hire Indigenous people

When asked if there's anything missing from how Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge have responded to the Calls to Action, Becker says "just about everything."

"I mean really they haven't responded in any significant way," Becker said.

What Becker wants to see is better representation of Indigenous people working for local cities and the region.

"I think that it's critical for municipalities to actually hire Indigenous people to work on strategies for … Indigenous people."

Lori Campbell also says more Indigenous people at the decision-making table is the big missing piece in the local municipal response to the TRC.  She's the director of the University of Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre and Indigenous Studies minor program.

"What I would like to see is just more intentional work around seeking out Indigenous hires in all different levels and in leadership positions," said Campbell. "It will take work. It will take advertising in different spaces."

The cities of Waterloo and Cambridge as well as the region acknowledge the importance of an inclusive workforce. The City of Kitchener points to its diversity task force. But it's not clear how the cities and the region will increase Indigenous representation among staff.

'Like to see stronger actions'

Campbell is also concerned about municipalities putting enough resources toward the Calls to Action.

The City of Waterloo has approved $50,000 for staff education in the 2020-22 budget. The City of Kitchener estimates the cost of training at $150,000.

As for other ways the cities are responding to the TRC, some are already covered off through existing policies. The City of Kitchener says it will honour a call to tell the stories of Aboriginal athletes through its work in sport.

"Kitchener and Waterloo have listed the TRC Calls to Action that they believe are [specifically] relevant for them," said Campbell, but they have responded in varying levels for each case.

"I would like to see stronger actions," said Campbell.