Development of Mohawk Outdoor Education Centre

by Ernie on September 17, 2010

An open letter:

Dear Christopher Bentley, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs;

I hope the first day back in session filled you with strong hope and will for improvement of aboriginal affairs. Your position in the Ontario Government must fill you with honour to be able to positively influence and improve impacts on First Nations. The history of the land we share is based on beautiful friendship, yet we have had a turbulent relationship. As we awake to imposed conditions, and as we work toward reconciliation, we are in an era of restoration and rebirth.

In the Southern tip of my riding, Simcoe–Grey, is an unused outdoor education centre on the Haldimand Tract. The Mohawk people desire to restore and reopen this centre for their youth, and offer educational services to school boards.

The Toronto District School Board is the registered land title owner. The Toronto District School Board put the Mohawk on notice that accessing the land would be regarded as trespassing and a criminal offence. However the school board is willing to discuss interests, concerns, and a sale for fair market value.

On the final day of session before summer, Gilles Bison of the Ontario NDP called on the Ontario Government “to enter into negotiations with the Toronto District School Board and once the land title has been reverted to the crown, that we enact what we had done in the Haldimand Proclamation many years ago and transfer that land back to the Mohawk people so they can use it for their traditional use.”

The Mohawk plan to renovate the existing buildings to properly accommodate their needs. There are plans to erect a traditional longhouse, and also a greenhouse to preserve traditional medicines and plants to go alongside traditional field farming. The education centre constructs identity for Mohawk youth as they connect with their heritage. It builds friendship and reconciliation for generations to come.

This is a magnificent opportunity for all.

Sincerely,
Ernie Hilts

-EOL-

Sent to:
Christopher Bentley, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
cbentley.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

-and-

Dalton McGuinty, Premier
dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

Gilles Bisson, Ontario NDP, Aboriginal Critic
GBisson@ndp.on.ca

Cameron Holmstrom, Ontario NDP, Aboriginal Committee
cameronholmstrom@hotmail.com

Andrea Horwath, Ontario NDP, Leader
ahorwath-qp@ndp.on.ca

Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Education
ldombrowsky.mpp@liberal.ola.org

Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services
mmeilleur.mpp@liberal.ola.org

Monique M. Smith, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
msmith.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org