A management report that is part of the Stratford City Council agenda for Monday night presents information on implementing an Indigenous Medicine Wheel.
Kevin Bonnell, Manager of Inclusion, Equity and Indigenous Initiatives, notes in his report that through consultations with Indigenous individuals and leaders, a recurring theme is the desire for a dedicated space in Stratford for gathering, reflection, and learning.
The medicine wheel symbolizes holistic health and harmony, empowering communities to engage with and learn from Indigenous teachings.
The city’s cultural plan emphasizes the importance of Indigenous
knowledge, practices, and events as vital, intangible cultural resources.
The cultural plan emphasizes the importance of promoting and celebrating local Indigenous culture, increasing its visibility, and ensuring Indigenous communities are engaged in planning and decision-making processes.
Implementation would involve engagement with Indigenous peoples and knowledge keepers and starting an Indigenous working group to guide the project.
Cost, site selection and determining educational elements to include, will also have to be considered, according to Bonnell’s report to council.
Staff have recommended that city council accept the report for information purposes.
