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@waterlooregion I just got a response which uses the word "unique" a lot without actually clarifying if Six Nations has been consulted or not. I'm thinking not.

"Indigenous communities have a unique role in land use planning and development.  They contribute unique perspectives and traditional knowledge to land use matters including cultural heritage, natural heritage and water resources protection.  The City/ Township/ Region values the ongoing relationship with Indigenous communities. We look forward to continued collaboration with Indigenous communities on our Official Plan to continue to inform decision-making."
 
"In consideration of the existing trees on the site, City Staff work with the applicant to conserve trees whenever possible, recognizing them as essential infrastructure within our community."

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Personally, I question what "collaboration" is going on. The Land Back camp, after a lot of harrowing life in Willow Park (Victoria Park), managed to negotiate free use of the park facilities. It is a traditional/historical meeting place for Indigenous Peoples in the region. Yet within the last month, the City of Kitchener has started charging Indigenous groups money to use it again.

That is not collaboration. That is colonialism.

I also mistrust what they say about the trees. Last year, in the middle of nesting season, those trees were trimmed and the branches--baby birds and all--were thrown into a woodchipper. When I sent complaints to the city, they promised to get back to me and rectify the situation (I don't know how since they can't resurrect baby birds or undo the damage). No one ever did get back to me.

#LandBack @waterlooregion #ProtectTheTract #Haudenosaunee #SixNations #Anishinaabeg #DishWithOneSpoonTreaty #HabitatDestruction #AnimalAbuse