What is the Thompson Aboriginal Accord?

For over a decade, the Thompson Aboriginal Accord has brought together it’s partners in the spirit of reconciliation for all of northern Manitoba.

 

On June 21, 2009, the City of Thompson, and other signatories, signed what was then called the Thompson Aboriginal Accord.

The City of Thompson worked in collaboration with the Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy to create the Thompson Aboriginal Accord through community involvement and consultation. This collaboration continues through ongoing support and engagement of partners, and the Accord today forms part of the City’s operations and planning.

The Accord is not a single act, but the ongoing responsibility of signatories and partners. As we reflect on the last ten years as signatories and partners we have collaborated, shared, learned and acted together. We are proud of the contributions of Indigenous people and our allies have made through efforts to make Thompson a healthier community.

We are committed to rejuvenating our partnerships, to building relationships and effecting change. These efforts will be aligned with the values of national and international agreements, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice.

Together, as a community and a region, we can continue to build on our successes and to address our challenges

The Thompson Aboriginal Accord

WHEREAS the City of Thompson is dedicated to strengthening its relationship with Aboriginal governments and peoples in and around the Thompson region;

AND WHEREAS the Thompson Aboriginal Accord has been drafted to provide the overall framework upon which the City will build agreements and action plans in partnership with Aboriginal government and peoples;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The City of Thompson lies within the Traditional Territory of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. People from around the world have come to call Thompson home and our community prides itself in its cultural diversity. The First Nations, Métis Nation, and Inuit peoples have always been part of this diversity and play an integral role that deserves recognition.

The City of Thompson acknowledges the significant contributions Aboriginal people and organizations have made to this community.

Together, we acknowledge and honour our ancestors, traditions and the spirit of this place that first drew Aboriginal people together. We acknowledge and honour the long history of service to the community that continues to be embodied by the City of Thompson and its employees. We acknowledge that we reside on Treaty 5 territory and together call upon our traditions and spirit to maintain a strong special and lasting relationship between the City of Thompson and Aboriginal peoples.

We believe that all people in the north are served well by positive relationships between the City of Thompson and Aboriginal communities. We have a mutual need for Aboriginal people to be involved in all aspects of the community and to ensure the ongoing development of culturally sensitive municipal services that meet Aboriginal community needs.

We believe that good relationships must be based upon a foundation of the shared values of honesty, respect, mutual sharing and contribution. These values enhance our community as well as our collective social, spiritual, economic and physical well-being. They also serve our shared interests within the guidelines of accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, responsiveness and shared stewardship.

This principle-based relationship agreement between Aboriginal communities and peoples in the Thompson region and the City of Thompson establishes commitments and objectives to be put in place in order to make Thompson a better place for all residents and visitors.

Milestones shall be set and our progress reviewed.

This accord shall provide the framework for the development of agreements regarding, but not limited to, the following:

  • The recognition and respect of the various levels of Aboriginal governments and aboriginal cultures and peoples;

  • Leadership in Canada, demonstrating how municipal and Aboriginal governments can work together;

  • The development of protocols to establish open and improved lines of communication;

  • Supporting Aboriginal culture and the development of recreational activities that are culturally appropriate;

  • Encouraging Aboriginal investment in Thompson in areas including, but not limited to, people, culture, business and community and social participation;

  • Increasing Aboriginal participation in our local economy;

  • Improving our community by making it more economically vibrant and sustainable;

  • Celebrating our shared northern lifestyle and respecting and understanding our differences relating to it;

  • Investing in our youth, the future of our community, by ensuring cultural, recreational, educational, and career opportunities are readily available; and

  • Addressing root causes relating to public safety, so that all residents and visitors feel safe in the community and region.

 

Original signed by:

Mayor Tim Johnston, City of Thompson
June 21, 2009, National Aboriginal Day.

Witnessed by:

Grand Chief Arnold Ouskan, Keewatin Tribal Council
Grand Chief Sydney Garrioch, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak
Julyda Lagimodiere, Vice President, Manitoba Métis Federation
Chief Jim Moore, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
Reg Meade, President, Northern Association of Community Councils
Charlene Lafreniere, Chair, Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy