Adopts Land Acknowledgement and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy

RICHMOND HILL – The City of Richmond Hill has adopted a Land Acknowledgement as well as its first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and Action Plan as part of its ongoing pledge to expand diversity, inclusion and equity efforts.

The Land Acknowledgement, adopted by Council at the March 29 Council meeting, will be used at City of Richmond Hill Council meetings beginning in April and at other City events. It is a step towards demonstrating recognition and respect for Indigenous Peoples and supporting education on the history of the lands on which we live and work. The City developed the land acknowledgement in consultation with First Nations and Indigenous Communities.

The Land Acknowledgement statement reads:

“We are gathering on lands that have been home to First Nations Peoples from time immemorial. We acknowledge that what we now call Richmond Hill is on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations of the Williams Treaty. We also recognize that we are on part of the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and the Huron Wendat.  

We would also like to acknowledge all First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples from across North America, also known as Turtle Island, who now reside in the City of Richmond Hill. We are committed to rebuilding constructive and cooperative relationships.”

Members of the community who are hosting a meeting or event in Richmond Hill are welcome to use the City’s Land Acknowledgement. 

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and Action Plan will help Richmond Hill implement a DEI lens on the City’s work and help Richmond Hill be more inclusive in its delivery of services, policy and community outreach. The vision of Richmond Hill’s DEI Strategy is:

“Richmond Hill is committed to building an inclusive municipal service environment and community that embraces diversity, promotes equity and is accountable to the people it serves.”

The list of short, medium and long-term recommendations in the Action Plan were developed in consultation with staff, Members of Council and the broader Richmond Hill community.

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“Richmond Hill has such potential to leverage our great diversity and become even more welcoming and inclusive than it is now. With both the Land Acknowledgement and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, we are moving in the right direction toward a community that fully embraces these principles. I want everyone in Richmond Hill to feel like they are included and that they are an important part of what makes our City great.”       - Mayor David West  

Quick Facts

• Through the Access Richmond Hill contact centre’s Language Line service, residents can get City information in more than 200 languages
• In 2018, the City signed onto the York Region Inclusion Charter as part of a shared commitment to create welcoming and inclusive communities