Friendship Events with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation on the Toronto Islands - by Councillor Joe Cressy, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton

We all have a responsibility to work towards reconciliation, and it is critical to support events taking place in our communities focused on building trust and reconciliation. The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Toronto Island Friendship Committee annually organizes a series of events and tours connecting the Mississaugas of Credit First Nation to the Toronto Islands and its residents. In the past, events have included water ceremonies, round dance, medicinal plant tours and moccasin identifier tours. Led by elders and Island residents, the events aim to create a space for historical context, friendship, trust and reconciliation between the Indigenous and settler groups. These programming events are of cultural and historical significance as it creates opportunities for education, advocacy, healing and ceremony. There are 2 additional events in 2019, on July 7th and September 9th. Each event will have an approximate attendance of between 60-70 people. In order to facilitate and support the event, I recommend that fees be waived for participants. This Motion is urgent as the first event takes place on July 7, 2019.