Historic first meeting in 150 years yields commitment to cooperate, and to hopefully meet again – CTV News
April 18, 2024
The first joint meeting by the elected councils of the City of London and Oneida Nation of the Thames saw the long-time neighbouring communities take a collaborative step forward.
After a shared meal and introductions, Chief Todd Cornelius formally welcomed city councillors and civic administration to the First Nation.
“Let’s seize this opportunity to lay the groundwork for cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect,” he told the elected leaders who sat together around a horseshoe shaped table inside the Oneida Community Centre.
London Mayor Josh Morgan began his greeting in the traditional language of the Oneida Nation, having recently received lessons from an elder.
“It’s about forging a new partnership together in collaboration, and as the Chief said, it won’t be another 150 years until we meet again,” Morgan added in English.
The mayor then presented a traditional gift of tobacco and white pine sapling which represents peace.
Cornelius presented a woven Haudenosaunee Wampum Belt that represents a historic peace agreement between four First Nations.
The two-hour discussion focussed on a number of common interests.
Concerns were raised about storms continuing to trigger wastewater overflows from London’s sewage treatment plants because indigenous families fish in the river downstream.
Oneida councillors also asked for indigenous voices to be part of the decision making for London’s Whole of Community Response to Homelessness because about 30 per cent of people experiencing homelessness in London are indigenous.
There was a request for shared space within municipal facilities so that members of Oneida Nation who live or work in London can be connected to resources.
