Authorization to enter into a Licence Agreement with The Neighbourhood Group and Aki Wiidookaagewin (Earth Helpers) at Spadina Museum - by Councillor Mike Layton, seconded by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam

The City, as part of its commitments under the Memorandum of Understanding entered into an agreement with Aki Wiidookaagewin (Ontario Earth Helpers) for a one year term expiring on June 30, 2022. The agreement sets out the parties' responsibilities, program details and outlines the terms and conditions for the use of the Spadina Museum site. City Council approval was not obtained at this time because Aki Wiidookaagewin had received a federally funded COVID-19 related grant for the project that needed to be spent. City Council approval is required to ratify the Memorandum of Understanding in respect of the Indigenous Kitchen Garden Project entered into between the City, Aki Wiidookaagewin (Ontario Earth Helpers), The Stop Community Food Centre and Alexandra Park Neighbourhood Learning Centre retroactive to June 21, 2021 and the use of space agreement between the City, Alexandra Park Neighbourhood Learning Centre and Aki Wiidookaagewin (Ontario Earth Helpers) retroactive to June 29, 2021. As Economic Development and Culture staff, The Neighbourhood Group and Aki Wiidookaagewin want to continue the development of the Project and associated programs and activities, City Council approval is required to enter into a new agreement for a one year term. Aki Wiidookaagewin will have a new trustee, The Neighbourhood Group, and new external funding will be available to Aki Wiidookaagwein effective May 1, 2022 until December 31, 2022 to support the Project, including funding for programming and creating more opportunities for training volunteers. The City is entering into the agreement with Aki Wiidookaagewin, as full acknowledgement of the significant services/contribution to the project. The Project advances the City's Statement of Commitment to the Aboriginal Communities of Toronto by working with Indigenous organizations to improve public awareness of Indigenous life (Commitment 1) and working with an Indigenous organization that strengthens the capacity of Aboriginal organizations and associations to plan, lead and deliver initiatives for local Aboriginal communities. (Commitment 3) https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accessibility-human-rights/indigenous-affairs-office/commitments-to-indigenous-peoples/

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to enter into and execute on behalf of the City of Toronto, an agreement with Aki Wiidookaagewin (Ontario Earth Helpers) and The Neighbourhood Group in respect of the use of a portion of the outdoor grounds of Spadina Museum in support of the Indigenous Kitchen Garden for a fixed term until December 31, 2022 on such terms and conditions deemed appropriate by the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor.