New Indigenous Gathering Space to Open in Oakville
Our Rector, Canon David Anderson, has written a letter to the parish describing an opportunity to support a significant action towards Truth and Reconciliation in our community. For some years our parish has been privileged to participate in the Debwewin Ally Leadership Council, Out of the council's work and conversation with leaders of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, a vision for an Indigenous Gathering Space on their traditional lands in Treaty 22 territory here in Oakville.
The vision is becoming a reality and a dedicated Indigenous gathering space is expected to formally open for community use at Oakville’s Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC) in June.
In a press release issued May 8, the Oakville Community Foundation noted that back in March it officially leased indoor and outdoor space at the centre and, with their Indigenous Advisor Peter Schuler’s design vision of a traditional lodge, renovations are currently underway.
The space realizes a request from Oakville’s Indigenous community to create an Indigenous Knowledge Centre in Oakville. This request was documented in the Foundation’s 2019 25 Community Conversations report.
“The first step of the Debwewin project was to seek the truth in Oakville. What better place to seek the truth than in your own local community,” said MCFN Elder Peter Schuler in a press release. “Now, the Debwewin project is moving forward through truth to reconciliation with the establishment of this Indigenous gathering space to support reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, as well as reconciliation between all Indigenous peoples.”
In his letter, Canon David invites us to continue our participation in the important work of Truth and Reconciliation by supporting this exciting project.