Mayor Bevilacqua welcomes Grand Chief Sioui to Vaughan City Hall
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Meeting highlights Vaughan’s historical connection with Huron-Wendat Nation
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua released the following statement, after meeting with Grand Chief Konrad Sioui of the Huron-Wendat Nation.
“There
are strong historical and cultural ties between the City of Vaughan and the Huron-Wendat Nation. Today, we continue this important
dialogue and demonstrate our commitment to carrying on this positive
relationship.
“Vaughan
is home to a site containing the remains of Huron-Wendat Nation ancestors, as
well as a 500-year old village believed to have once been home to as many as
2,000 Indigenous Peoples.
“I am
proud of the leadership Vaughan has shown by acknowledging the important place
in Canadian history of our First Nations and in safeguarding the sanctity of
historically significant sites in Vaughan.
“Assessments for
archaeological resources are conducted on property being developed within the city.
We have made this choice in order to help ensure significant historic sites,
unmarked gravesites, ossuaries or settlement sites are recovered or protected.
“These
steps can make a meaningful difference to the people of the Huron-Wendat Nation
in preserving important links to their past.
“The
bond we share with Grand Chief Sioui and the Huron-Wendat Nation reflects our
collective appreciation for a city life that is further enriched by the
diversity of our communities.
“That
which make each of us unique, also makes us stronger and I applaud the federal
government’s ongoing reconciliation with our many First Nations across Canada.
Much like the City of Vaughan, our country’s history is inextricably linked
with valuable contributions of our Indigenous Peoples.
“We
are a city known for celebrating our various cultures, religions and languages and
we will continue this tradition.
“On
behalf of Council, I thank Grand Chief Sioui for visiting our community and I
look forward to continuing our positive relationship.”
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