Page 5 - DURHAM CITIZEN - JUNE 21ST 2021 - EDITION_Neat

DurhamCitizen.ca June 21, 2021
Durham Region raises new, permanent
Mississaugas of Scugog Island
First Nation flag at Regional HQ
“ achievements of First Nations,
We are proud to stand with Indigenous
communities. As a sign of respect,
and in recognition of the community and
lands on which we reside, today the Region
unveiled a permanent home for the
Mississaugas of Scugog Island
First Nation flag at Regional Headquarters.
- Regional Chair and CEO John Henry Mississaugas of Scugog Island First
5
WHITBY, ONTARIO – The
following statement is being
issued on behalf of John Henry,
Re g i o n a l C h a i r a n d C h i e f
Executive Officer for The Regional
Municipality of Durham:
“It is with great honour that I
acknowledge Indigenous Peoples
Day in Durham Region. A
reminder to all of us to take a
moment; to show respect for the
heritage, diverse cultures and
Inuit and Métis peoples. To reflect
u p o n t h e i r o u t s t a n d i n g
a c h i e ve m e n t s , s i g n i fi c a n t
community contributions, and
collective challenges.
We are proud to stand with
Indigenous communities. As a sign
of respect, and in recognition of
the community and lands on which
we reside, today the Region
unveiled a permanent home for the
N a t i o n fl a g a t R e g i o n a l
Headquarters.
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Chief
Kelly LaRocca (left) with Regional Chair and CEO John Henry
This momentous occasion the Calls to Action to help stop
confirms an allyship that is racism and injustices. Because the
working to ensure a positive future time is far overdue for honest
for all residents. To make sure reflection about our shared history
Durham Region is a place where with Indigenous communities.
p e o p l e a re p ro u d o f t h e i r We need to continue our efforts to
heritage—the very foundation for provide cultural safe spaces at the
their identity. Region.
And, while Durham Region Take the time during Indigenous
continues to celebrate Indigenous History Month, and well beyond,
communities, we must also t o r e fl e c t o n o u r
truthfully acknowledge the relationships—both past and
ongoing and devastating impact of present—with the Indigenous
colonialism. We must work Peoples of the lands that we have
towards reconciliation by realizing the privilege to be on.”