Public input sought as Kawartha Lakes launches Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: A new Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy is being launched in Kawartha Lakes, as the municipality looks to strengthen relationships with Indigenous Nations, organizations, and residents while embedding reconciliation into everyday municipal work.

The community-informed initiative will guide how reconciliation is advanced across municipal governance, planning, economic development, procurement, communications, and community life. The strategy is being developed in partnership with Fluid Consulting, an Indigenous-owned consulting firm, based in Six Nations of the Grand River, and KLB Consulting, a value-based firm with experience working alongside Williams Treaties First Nations.

Public engagement will officially begin with an open house, on Wednesday, June 17th, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Victoria Park Armoury. Residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the project and share feedback, through a series of self-guided engagement stations.

“As residents of the City of Kawartha Lakes, we all share a responsibility to build a community rooted in respect, understanding, and inclusion,” said Ron Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer for Kawartha Lakes. “This public consultation and engagement is an opportunity to listen, learn, inform, and work together to shape a reconciliation strategy which reflects the voices and values of our community.”

Mr. Taylor said, the strategy represents the beginning of a relationship-based and Indigenous-led process which will help shape how the municipality approaches reconciliation in the years ahead.

Emily Turner, Economic Development Officer, Heritage Planning with the City of Kawartha Lakes, said, the initiative is intended to move beyond symbolic gestures and focus on long-term action.

“This work is about creating meaningful relationships and ensuring Indigenous perspectives are reflected in how the municipality operates every day,” Ms. Turner said. “We want community members to understand reconciliation is not a one-time project, but an ongoing commitment which requires listening, learning and accountability.”

Ms. Turner added, public participation will play an important role in shaping the final strategy. “We are encouraging residents from all backgrounds to take part in the engagement opportunities,” she said. “The more voices we hear, the stronger and more informed this strategy will become.”

Tabitha Curley, of Fluid Consulting, said, the process has been designed to prioritize culturally safe and respectful engagement.

“Reconciliation work must be grounded in trust, relationship-building and respect for Indigenous knowledge and lived experience,” Ms. Curley explained. “Our goal is to create a process where Indigenous community members feel heard and where their input directly informs meaningful municipal action.”

Ms. Curley also noted, the strategy is not intended to replace Nation-to-Nation relationships or treaty responsibilities, but is seeking to strengthen municipal systems so they better reflect and uphold them.

In addition to the public open house, a community survey is available online, through the municipality’s Jump In engagement platform. Indigenous residents, business owners, employees and organizations are especially encouraged to participate and share their experiences.

Municipal staff engagement is already underway, through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions, involving Williams Treaties rights-holders, Indigenous organizations, community members and the broader public.

Officials said, the information gathered during the engagement process will help guide future municipal actions, including governance tools, staff training, timelines, and measurable indicators, designed to advance reconciliation in lasting and meaningful ways.