A grassroots group of local Indigenous leaders from Hamilton is questioning the city councils’ commitment to reconciliation.
On Monday, Circle of Beads held a news conference at the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre on Ottawa Street.
The group questions the city council’s decision and has called it a “step backwards to reconciliation.”
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Earlier this month, Hamilton’s city council turned down a motion to study the proposal with a close vote of 8 to 7.
The fact is, those bringing this forward knew full well the request for an Indegenous #HamOnt Councillor is not legally possible – essentially playing politics with an important issue.
The Mayor’s alternative direction provides an actual acheivable path to truth & reconciliation
— John-Paul Danko (@JohnPaulDanko) July 13, 2024
“We are concerned by the rationales for opposing the motion,” Audrey Davis, the groups co-chair, said. “Some councillors did not seem to understand the motion, and acted like they were voting on the proposal, not on whether to analyze it.”
“It appears that the journey of turning reconciliation into reconciliation action has stopped at this point,” Nawalka Geeshy Meegwn, another spokesperson, said.
Circle of Beads says it will be making another attempt on Sept. 20, adding that they are inviting city council members to meet with them again to discuss how they can move forward.
A spokesperson from the City of Hamilton says its staff look forward to holding discussions with the group.