Indigenous partners

As part of the establishment of Rouge National Urban Park in the Greater Toronto Area, Parks Canada undertook an extensive and inclusive engagement process in October 2011 with 10 First Nations communities with respect to planning and operations for the park.

This partnership was formalized in 2012 with the creation of the Rouge National Urban Park First Nations Advisory Circle. The Advisory Circle is comprised of representatives from these 10 First Nations with an expressed interest, and historic and cultural connection to the area of the national urban park.

The First Nations Advisory Circle consists of:

The seven Williams Treaties First Nations –

• Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
• Hiawatha First Nation
• Alderville First Nation
• Curve Lake First Nation
• Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation
• Chippewas of Rama First Nation
• Beausoleil First Nation
  
  

As well as –

• Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
• Six Nations of the Grand River
• The Huron-Wendat Nation

To date, Parks Canada has worked collaboratively with Advisory Circle members on a number of important initiatives in Canada’s first national urban park including archaeological fieldwork, restoration projects and visitor experience initiatives. Parks Canada will continue to work with our Indigenous partners through the Advisory Circle with regards to initiatives undertaken in Rouge National Urban Park, and has a tremendous amount of gratitude for these important relationships.