St. Catharines city council is moving to create a formal partnership with Niagara Regional Native Centre.
Councillors unanimously passed a motion by Mayor Walter Sendzik Monday to support the move, which aims to strengthen relationships. As well, the centre will advise the city on the implementation of the calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.
City staff were directed to work with the centre to prepare a memorandum of understanding as the basis for the partnership. They’ll report back to council with a draft.
Sendzik said the centre is working collaboratively with city staff and the mayor’s office. “We have a great working relationship, we’re just trying to codify that.”
Mayor Sendzik will present the following motion:
Whereas all levels of government in Canada have responsibilities in improving relations and understanding with First Nations; and
Whereas municipalities have particular responsibilities to implement the Calls to Action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report; and
Whereas Niagara’s history with First Nations is a vital part of our city’s cultural fabric, heritage and future; and
Whereas the Niagara Regional Native Centre has a mandate to support Niagara’s Indigenous community and build relations and understanding between nations; and
Whereas the Niagara Regional Native Centre serves residents in St. Catharines and the Niagara Region providing human, social, cultural, recreational and educational programs to all Native people;
Therefore be it Resolved that St. Catharines City Council supports the creation of a formal partnership with the Niagara Regional Native Centre to strengthen relationships and advise the City on the implementation of the Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Report; and
Further be it Resolved that Council directs staff to work together with the Niagara Regional Native Centre to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding as the basis for a partnership, report back to Council with a draft Memorandum of Understanding and outline with the Niagara Regional Native Centre.