Kawartha Lakes launches Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy

Kawartha Lakes is taking a meaningful step forward in its commitment to reconciliation by introducing its Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy. This community-informed initiative is designed to strengthen relationships with Indigenous Nations, organizations, and residents, while including reconciliation in daily municipal practices.

The strategy is being developed with Fluid Consulting, an Indigenous-owned firm based in Six Nations of the Grand River, and KLB Consulting, a value-based firm with previous experience working with Williams Treaties First Nations. The survey and engagement activities are open to all Kawartha Lakes residents. Everyone is invited to participate and Indigenous residents, employees and business owners are encouraged to share their voices and experiences.

“As residents of the City of Kawartha Lakes, we all share a responsibility to build a community rooted in respect, understanding and inclusion,” said Ron Taylor, chief administrative officer at Kawartha Lakes. “This public consultation and engagement is an opportunity to listen, learn, inform and work together to shape a reconciliation strategy that reflects the voices and values of our community.”

The development of the strategy marks the beginning of a relationship-based, Indigenous-led engagement process to guide how the city advances reconciliation across governance, planning, economic development, procurement, communications, and community life.

This work is not intended to replace Indigenous Nation-to-Nation relationships or treaty responsibilities, but to strengthen municipal systems so they better reflect and uphold them.

Engagement opportunities

Public engagement officially kicks off with an open house on Wednesday, June 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Victoria Park Armoury (210 Kent Street West, Lindsay).

Community members and Indigenous residents and organizations in the region are encouraged to attend the open house. Attendees will learn more about the project and have an opportunity to share their perspectives, with self-guided engagement stations to help shape the strategy’s development.

For those unable to attend, a public community survey is available on Jump In.

Engagement with Kawartha Lakes staff is underway, with activities that include in-person and virtual opportunities, Williams Treaties rights-holders, Indigenous organizations and community members, as well as broader public participation.

The process will prioritize culturally-safe, consent-based participation and ensure that knowledge shared is respected and protected. The insights gathered will guide concrete municipal actions, including governance tools, training, timelines, and measurable indicators to advance reconciliation in meaningful and lasting ways.

Learn more and get involved

Community members are encouraged to participate in the survey and attend upcoming engagement sessions.

For more information on the project, visit the Indigenous Reconciliation page on Jump In, or contact:

Emily Turner, economic development officer, heritage planning at or Tabitha Curley of Fluid Consulting at