September 30, 2025

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Context

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In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued 94 Calls to Action, to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.  Call to Action number 92 urges the corporate sector in Canada to take meaningful steps toward reconciliation, including “building respectful relationships” and ensuring that Indigenous peoples have “equitable access” to opportunities, sharing in the benefits of economic development. Southampton Arts Centre, a not-for-profit corporation, hears this call.

 

Commitments

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Southampton Arts Centre commits to the following actions on its journey of reconciliation:

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• Awareness and respect:  Southampton Arts will strive to maintain awareness, in its governance, staffing and programs, of the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, their presence in this territory for millennia, and the role of colonialism in affecting the quality of life for Indigenous peoples. We affirm our respect for the constitutional and treaty rights of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

• Exhibitions:  Gallery staff will welcome exhibits of Indigenous artists or artwork, actively seeking opportunities to create greater awareness of Indigenous traditions, culture and talent.

• Relationship: The Centre will regularly reach out to Saugeen First Nation, and Historic Saugeen Métis, to foster a relationship and explore opportunities for collaboration, such as courses taught by Indigenous artists, or participation in events such as an annual Southampton Arts Festival.

• Contract rates:  As an act of economic reconciliation, Southampton Arts will extend a 50% discount on its contract fees for Indigenous Artists and Indigenous Artisans to exhibit in the Centre’s gallery, whether for one-time guest exhibitions or for year-long contracts, while following existing practices on the jurying process and consignment sales.

• Acknowledgement:  In formal public events with externals, such as the Annual General Meeting and formal openings of gallery exhibits, Southampton Arts will begin with a land acknowledgement, with words to this effect:

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“At Southampton Arts, we acknowledge that we are in the traditional territory of the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, stewards of this land since time immemorial. “

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• Governance:  Southampton Arts will welcome an Indigenous person to its Board, should it receive an application from an interested member of Saugeen Ojibway Nation or Historic Saugeen Métis who meets the criteria for Board members in our policies and bylaws.

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This Reconciliation Action Plan was first adopted in September 2025. The Centre’s board undertakes to review these actions annually, for progress or updates to the plan as we advance on the path of reconciliation.