Page 61 - Six Nations Community Plan 2019

BUILT ENVIRONMENT: WHAT WE HEARD AROUND THE TABLE…

Where we have come from:

Like our cultural and governance systems, there is power in the way our communities were traditionally designed. Our
Built Environment brought us together as families in our longhouses, which could expand to accommodate us as we
grew. Surrounded by our sustenance in fields and gardens as well as our protective enclosures and strategic locations, our
longhouses provided us safe and nurturing places to grow. We were not separated and learned to live together as families,
nurture healthy relationships and manage our challenges internally. Our roads were simple and connected us to each other
and to our lands. Through planning and respectful management, we had access to clean, safe and dependable water supplies.

Where we are today:

Even recently in the Grand River Territory we had access to clean water, but over time through development within and
outside the community, our water sources have become unusable. Now, to have clean water we have to rely on expensive
infrastructure projects. Drinkable water either comes through a pipe or in a plastic bottle and there is little relationship with it.
However, we take great pride in our water treatment system and it is expanding to serve more and more in the community.

Physically, mentally and emotionally, many in our community are isolated while others struggle in overcrowded, unhealthy and
unsafe conditions. The nature of our individualized homes also provides an atmosphere where violence and illness can fester.
Our modern homes have also become reflective of the economic disparity in the community; some have much more while
others can’t access their basic needs.

We have made incredible strides in our roads and bridges. This modern infrastructure is impressive and allows for greater
comfort and ease but also creates a division between our built environment and Mother Earth; we pass by Mother Earth as we
speed down our roads and need to clear more land around our homes and facilities. Our limited resources hinder our ability to
keep infrastructure maintained to a standard we can all be proud of. Our community members with no vehicles or resources to
pay for private transportation struggle to access their needs.

How we will move into the future:

We will integrate the natural and built environment to connect us more with Mother Nature and each other. As we develop
our lands, we will work to make sure that all have access to safe and affordable housing and facilities and will do so in a way
that cares for the land and strengthens connections between us. We will explore options so that all our members can have the
ability to travel freely in and around our community. We will celebrate our culture through our built environment to remind us
of who we are and where we came from.

Our Vision for the future is that…

“Six Nations is a complete community where all community
members have access to a Built Environment (public facilities,
housing, transportation, and infrastructure) that allows them
to thrive in happiness and health.”

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