Northumberland County strengthens Indigenous relationships trough training and projects.
A person smudging. By: Pixie Content-Free Use Domain-Upsplash.
By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative.
Northumberland County is strengthening its relationship with area First Nations through staff training of Williams Treaties, cultural awareness and protocols.
In May, approximately 160 county staff participated in four training sessions at Trent University’s House of Learning, in collaboration with the Alderville First Nation.
Scott Berry, a communications officer with the County said staff participated in a blanket exercise, which allowed for reflection of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples.
Cultural practices such as smudging and how to offer tobacco were also demonstrated. At the end of each training session, Berry stated a Talking Circle was conducted for staff to share their experiences.
“Many shared it was very impactful training, some of the most impact training they’ve had. They went home to share that with family, they’ve shared with colleagues, they’ve shared it with community members as well. So, there’s some nice effort on that front,” said Berry at Northumberland County’s Corporate Support Committee meeting Tuesday.
Aside from staff training, the County is reinforcing its partnerships with First Nations on capital projects. Berry explained that the County is following each First Nations consultation and engagement protocols, which may identify potential environmental and cultural impacts on Indigenous Rights. Over the past two-years such collaboration has enhanced employee-First Nations relations on specific construction projects, where staff are receiving guidance on archeological digs.
“We have a number of letters in place with these Nations, which they are providing Indigenous-trained monitors for a couple of our projects. They are physically on site as we are excavating dirt or in disturbed lands where they are there to help guide and aid us in our archeological assessment,” Berry stated.
A major project between the County and the Alderville First Nation will be the installation of rural fibre optic cables this year. Berry said they are working with Chief and Council on how best to complete this project. Berry said he expects more training and relationship building opportunities in the future.
