INDIGENOUS LEADER OFFERS AN EDUCATION ABOUT TREATY LANDS

DARIN WYBENGA EDUCATES PUBLIC ON THE MISSISSAUGAS OF THE CREDIT NATION

In celebration of National Indigenous History Month, Metroland introduces readers to 30 Indigenous people who are making a difference.

He's a type of gatekeeper. When people, groups or municipalities approach the Mississaugas of the Credit Nation for any collaboration, they will likely first get schooling from Darin Wybenga.

"We are treaty holders for about four million acres at the western end of Lake Ontario. So I just let people know that we are here, we are treaty partners, and to get to know us because First Nations are often forgotten."

Not being forgotten has been the life work of Wybenga, who started his career as a history teacher. Then he worked at the New Credit Public Library, fielding inquiries from community members and the public about First Nations history.

In 2016, he joined the Mississaugas of the Credit Department of Consultation and Accommodation, which is where those who want to work with the First Nation first come for a consultation. That is what has been mandated by the government, under the duty to consult, to avoid trampling on First Nations rights, and as part of the reconciliation process.

"When people come onto our lands and we're meeting them for the first time, they should really

know who the treaty partners are. Otherwise, it's just a conversation about their project when they should know about us — our hopes, dreams, rights, and aspirations. Then we feel better at talking because its' part of the reconciliation process."

The best advice Wybenga ever received was to be himself and be authentic and honest. Being authentic is part of his lineage; authenticity is part of the story of how the Mississaugas of the Credit got their name.

During the time of fur trading, credit was important to the Indigenous fur traders because they might run short of funds outside of trapping season. There arose a practice that if one trapper didn't have enough funds, another would spot him on their own. So the First Nation came to be known as those who would honour their credit.

"So we had a lot of integrity

as traders. The French could trust us to be who we are as authentic people. So I always like that story because I think that's who we try to be and do business around here. And I know that I try and strive for that."

Wybenga says that if non-Indigenous people could learn one thing about Indigenous history this month, it would be to honour the spirit of the treaties. The Treaties are enduring agreements that are meant to be honoured forever.

What does that mean and look like in the 21st century? Both sides entered into the treaties, he says. Both sides agreed to share the land. But there's not been much sharing going on in our history, he adds.