Riverview is located within the traditional, unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq Peoples.
This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which the Wabanaki People first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal with the surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized the Wabanaki title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.
We affirm our commitment and responsibility in improving relationships between nations, and to improving our own understanding of local Indigenous Peoples and their cultures.
History
There were 140 federally run residential schools in Canada that operated between 1867 and 1996. In June 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its findings and 94 Calls to Action to advance the reconciliation process in Canada and to redress the residential schools’ legacy of intergenerational harm. The Calls to Action are directed at all levels of government, the private sector, and to all Canadians. Call to Action 80 indicated a need for a federal statutory day of commemoration, and out of that The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established to be held on September 30. Municipal facilities in Riverview are closed in observance of this day.
In 2022, the Town of Riverview erected the Mi’kmaq Grand Council flag for permanent display at Town Hall as a step towards reconciliation, acknowledging Indigenous presence in the past, present, and into the future.
The Town is committed to establishing Riverview as an inclusive community that is free of barriers, where trust is present, and all residents enjoy a good quality of life and a sense of belonging. While the Town continues to explore ways to take meaningful action in reconciliation, including land acknowledgements prior to Council meetings and events (and encouraging our community partners to do the same), there is still much to be done.
The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee is a group of volunteers who provide insight, discussion, and feedback to facilitate a thoughtful strategy around initiatives in Riverview. The EDI committee is tasked with ensuring that the municipality not only talks the talk but also walks the walk to pave the way for Riverview to be known as a welcoming community for all.
