Indigenous Relations

Boozhoo. Aaniine. Tansi. Hello.

The Indigenous Relations Office seeks to build and strengthen relationships with our Treaty 3 partners by providing liaison support to City administration and Council. Our purpose is to advance reconciliation through cultural awareness training in all departments and to promote the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in the City’s opportunities and development.

You can explore supports and services available to Indigenous residents located in Kenora and surrounding communities that have been researched and suggested by our office of Indigenous Relations. In the future, we plan to add educational resources, Indigenous spaces found within Kenora, and cultural events.

Meet our Indigenous Relations Advisor

Niin nindizhinikaaz (my name is) Brenda Thomas, Indigenous Relations Advisor. Niindoonjibaa (I am from) Misipawistik Cree Nation, Rushing Rapids, where the Saskatchewan River flows into Lake Winnipeg.

I have a strong background in public relations and Indigenous governance. In my role as the Indigenous Relations Advisor, I provide guidance to City Administration and Council on Indigenous perspectives related to municipal programs, services, and projects. I work to strengthen Indigenous engagement and consultation processes, promote meaningful partnerships with Treaty 3 Indigenous communities. My goal is to help create collaborative partnerships that are built on trust, transparency, and inclusive opportunities.

I look forward to working with City administration, Council, the residents of Kenora, and the communities in Treaty 3. Miigwech.

Land acknowledgement

In the spirit of reconciliation, the City of Kenora acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe and Metis of Treaty #3. The City of Kenora was originally the land base of one collective First Nation community, which was separated into three communities now known as Wauzhushk Onigum, Niisaachewan, and Washagamis Bay First Nations. Kenora now sustains many others, all of whom have been welcomed to peacefully share and care for these ancestral Lands and Waters. To support stewardship of the land, the City recognizes the importance of a strong relationship with our Treaty #3 partners. The City of Kenora acknowledges that our economy greatly benefits from the Anishinaabe and Metis that live in and around the City.

Commitment to Indigenous relations and reconciliation

The City of Kenora is committed to addressing the legacy of residential schools and working toward removing barriers to reconciliation with First Nations. We acknowledge the vital role that Indigenous Peoples have played in the founding of our city, and we recognize their cultures, values, and vision as essential to Kenora’s shared future.

In this acknowledgment, we recognize the past and commit ourselves to the present and future by listening, learning, and standing alongside Indigenous Peoples. This commitment is essential for initiating healing and achieving true reconciliation.

This commitment is reflected in our Strategic Plan, which outlines our goals to collaborate with and support our Treaty 3 partners through the following initiatives:

• Partnering with Anishinaabe and other Treaty Partners to advance reconciliation, inclusion, and relationship-building, while enhancing our understanding of Truth and Reconciliation.
• Fostering meaningful and productive relationships with Treaty Partners by establishing joint communication and engagement protocols and advancing the Tunnel Island Common Ground Initiative.