Street Address : 216 Ontario Street
Period: After 1950
While many people only know of the Kanien’keha (Mohawk) territory of Tyendinaga, west of Kingston. Kingston or what many call Katarokwi is a shared territory between the Anishinabe (Mississauga, Algonquin) and Haudenosonee (Kanien’keha (Mohawk)) nations. Today many First Nation, Metis and Inuit people continue to live, work and visit the City of Kingston.
In recognition of the past, present and future cultural and historical contribution that all First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples have made in Kingston, on June 8th, 2011 the City of Kingston officially proclaimed the month of June as Aboriginal Peoples Month. This was formalized in a National Aboriginal Day Ceremony held on June 21, 2011.
During this ceremony the proclamation was read at City Hall and a Talking Stick was gifted to Mayor Mark Gerretsen on behalf of the Aboriginal community. He was instructed that this talking stick is for all citizens of Kingston and is to be used during formal meetings between the city and First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples. Also, in June of every year, during city council meetings every the City of Kingston’s talking stick is used.
The Proclamation reads:
City of Kingston Aboriginal Peoples Month June 2011
Whereas…
In co-operation with Aboriginal organizations, Canada’s Governor General proclaimed June 21 the first National Aboriginal Day in 1996;
And whereas…
In co-operation with Aboriginal organizations, the Canadian government declared June National Aboriginal History Month on June 4, 2009.
And whereas….
National Aboriginal History Month provides an opportunity to acknowledge the unique achievements of First Nations, Métis and Inuit in fields as diverse as agriculture, the environment, business and the arts;
And whereas…
National Aboriginal History Month gives many people the chance to learn more about Aboriginal people and their contributions towards the country’s development and progress. First Nations, Métis and Inuit people have the opportunity to showcase their cultures and achievements throughout Canada;
And whereas…
The territory that was known as Katarokwi was a gathering place for many First Nations generations before the City of Kingston was founded;
And whereas…
Molly Brant, the sister of Joseph Brant, was instrumental in the founding of Kingston;
And whereas…
Many of the City of Kingston’s Aboriginal peoples have celebrated their culture and heritage for many generations, through events such as the Community Pow wows and other traditional gatherings;
And whereas…
Many Aboriginal peoples from many different nations continue to live, work or travel through the City of Kingston, or visit it in their travels;
And whereas…
The City of Kingston, recognizing it’s wealth of history and culture, seeks to take the lead and become one of the growing numbers of municipalities across Canada that has declared Aboriginal Peoples Month;
And whereas…
The City of Kingston recognizes the past, present and future cultural and historical contribution that all First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples, and values the presence and contributions of First Nation, Metis and Inuit residents;
Therefore, I, Mayor Mark Gerretsen, for the City of Kingston, Ontario, hereby proclaim June 2011, and every June thereafter as “Aboriginal Peoples Month” in the City of Kingston.
Dated: June 8th, 2011
Every year on the summer solstice (June 21st) the First Nations, Inuit and Metis people of Kingston celebrate and share with all citizens their culture during National Aboriginal Day Celebrations here and at other venues throughout the city.
On June 17th, 2014, the City of Kingston Mayor and City Councillors took part in the first ever smudging ceremony to be conducted within the city council chambers. Indigenous peoples share this territory with all visitors and citizens of Kingston.