Honouring Indigenous Peoples, Cultures & Communities
At Willow Harbour Children’s Residence, we honour the diverse cultures, histories, knowledge, traditions and enduring contributions of Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, Nations and communities.
We believe every child and youth deserves to feel a strong sense of identity, belonging and connection. We recognize the importance of culture, family, community and tradition in shaping that sense of belonging, and we strive to create an environment where Indigenous children and youth feel respected, valued and supported in who they are.
Through continued learning, meaningful relationships and culturally respectful care, we seek to support Indigenous children and youth in maintaining and strengthening the connections that are important to them.
We are listening, learning and walking forward with respect.
Willow Harbour Children’s Residence respectfully acknowledges that we are located in Waterloo Region, within the Township of Wilmot, on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee and Mississauga peoples.
We recognize the Dish with One Spoon Covenant and the responsibility we share to care for the land, respect one another and preserve it for generations to come.
We honour the enduring presence, histories, cultures, knowledge and contributions of Indigenous Peoples, Nations and communities, past and present.
As an organization entrusted with the care and support of children and youth, we recognize that acknowledgement must be accompanied by continued learning, respectful relationships and meaningful action.
Land Acknowledgement
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It quickly became more than fostering for Jeremy; it became deeply personal. He realized that his desire to help children in the foster care system also meant advocating for and supporting Indigenous children, whose unique needs and experiences deserved his attention and care.
Truth & Reconciliation
Reconciliation begins with truth. We recognize the profound and lasting harms experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, families, Nations and communities as a result of colonialism, the residential school system and the historic and ongoing involvement of Indigenous children in the child welfare system.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action provide an important framework for understanding these histories and advancing reconciliation, including Calls to Action specifically addressing children and families.
At Willow Harbour, reconciliation means continuing to learn, listening to Indigenous voices and recognizing the responsibility organizations serving children and youth have in creating culturally respectful and responsive environments.
We understand reconciliation as an ongoing process—one that must be reflected not only in what we say, but in how we care, learn, build relationships and support the children and youth entrusted to us.
Culture, Identity & Belonging
Culture is an important part of a child’s identity, sense of belonging and connection to the world around them. For Indigenous children and youth, maintaining relationships with culture, family, community, language, traditions and the land can provide meaningful connections to who they are and where they come from.
We recognize that every child’s cultural identity and experiences are unique. First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples encompass many distinct Nations and communities, each with their own cultures, histories, languages, traditions and ways of knowing. Every child may also have a different relationship with their culture, identity and community.
Our role is to create space for those connections to be respected, supported and strengthened. We want Indigenous children and youth in our care to feel proud of who they are, supported in exploring their cultural identity and connected to the people, traditions and communities that are meaningful to them.
Culture is not simply something we acknowledge - it is something children should have the opportunity to experience, explore and carry with them.
Our Commitments
Culture, Identity & Belonging
We are committed to supporting Indigenous children and youth in maintaining and strengthening connections to their culture, identity, traditions, family and community. We recognize that these connections are an important part of belonging, well-being and a strong sense of self.
We are committed to ongoing learning and meaningful reconciliation. We will continue to strengthen our understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures and experiences and reflect that learning in the way we care for and support children and youth.
Respect, Learning & Reconciliation
Connection, Partnership & Community
We are committed to listening, building respectful relationships and working alongside Indigenous families, communities and cultural supports. Where appropriate, we will help children and youth access Indigenous-led resources, cultural experiences and meaningful community connections.
Supporting Indigenous Children & Youth
Our responsibility is to turn these principles into everyday practice.
For an Indigenous child or youth in our care, cultural support begins with understanding their individual identity, family, community, Nation and existing cultural connections. Their voice, preferences and relationships should help guide how those connections are supported.
We recognize that Indigenous identity and cultural connection are individual and diverse. Support should reflect each child's Nation, community, family relationships, cultural identity and personal experiences rather than assuming a single approach to Indigenous culture.
Depending on the individual child and their circle of care, this may include opportunities to participate in cultural activities and traditions, access Indigenous-led programs and resources, maintain connections with family and community, explore language and cultural teachings, and connect with appropriate Elders, Knowledge Keepers or other cultural supports.
We also recognize that cultural support cannot be approached as one-size-fits-all. We seek to understand what culture and connection mean to each child and to provide support in ways that are respectful, appropriate and meaningful to them.
Our goal is for every Indigenous child and youth in our care to know that their identity is valued, their culture is respected and their connections matter.
Willow Harbour Children’s Residence respectfully acknowledges that we are located in Waterloo Region, within the Township of Wilmot, on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee and Mississauga peoples.
We recognize the Dish with One Spoon Covenant and the responsibility we share to care for the land, respect one another and preserve it for generations to come.
We honour the enduring presence, histories, cultures, knowledge and contributions of Indigenous Peoples, Nations and communities, past and present.
As an organization entrusted with the care and support of children and youth, we recognize that acknowledgement must be accompanied by continued learning, respectful relationships and meaningful action.