Project Summary N-068: Truth and reconciliation awareness
Ongoing training for staff and council to build relationships and understanding with Indigenous neighbors.
Project Summary
Project Name: Truth and reconciliation awareness Project Number: N-068 Priority: Strategic Account Code: 1-2-01400-250 CC140-11 Submitted by: L. Taylor, Director of Development Services Director: L. Taylor, Development Services
Executive Summary
Developing constructive relationships with our neighbours, specifically the Songhees Nation and the Esquimalt Nation, is important considering the Truth and Reconciliation Report and ongoing work on reconciliation between indigenous peoples and colonists. Developing relationships starts with understanding the different perspectives that we hold.
Business problem and opportunity
Implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report is a daunting task. This small first step is aimed at building understanding of indigenous peoples and issues. The training will initially be targeted at Council and Staff (both Town Hall and Public Safety Building), followed by opportunities for advisory committees/Town volunteers and then the broader community. It is suggested that future years could include community-based opportunities for programs such as “Understanding the Village” or the “Kairos Blanket Exercise”.
Proposed project objectives
To bring different lenses to the work and practices of local government, specifically awareness of indigenous history and contemporary issues.
Business risks
Without significant action towards reconciliation the Town risks reputational harm.
Proposed sources of funding
- Taxation
- Grants that staff identify and apply for, if approved (TBD) will reduce funding from surplus or taxation
Costs and benefits
| Costs | FY1 | FY2 | FY3 | FY4 | FY5 | 5-year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital | 0 | |||||
| Operational | 7,800 | 8,000 | 8,200 | 8,400 | 8,600 | 41,000 |
| Total | 7,800 | 8,000 | 8,200 | 8,400 | 8,600 | 41,000 |
| Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Tangible | Better relations, new skills and understanding, demonstrating best practices |
| Intangible | Developing an empathetic and caring community |
Recommendation
THAT the Committee recommend the 2026-2030 Financial Plan include truth and reconciliation awareness each year to be funded by grant and taxation.