Metro Reconciliation Partnership Gathering Opens Path to Municipal Truth and Reconciliation

St. John’s, NL – On June 3, 2026, First Light held its inaugural gathering of the Metro Reconciliation Partnership. The new initiative brought together partners, changemakers, and allies from the City of St. John’s, the City of Mount Pearl, the Town of Paradise, and the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s to coordinate reconciliation efforts at the municipal level throughout the metro region.

The gathering celebrated the work completed together through the Partnership’s two main groups: the St. John’s Reconciliation Circle and the Regional Reconciliation Circle. Progress by these groups to date includes the recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day in place of the June Holiday by the City of St. John’s, the City of Mount Pearl, and the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philips; $8,000 in funding for First Light’s NIPD Community Celebration from the City of St. John’s; and improved visibility of Indigenous Peoples with a mural in Mount Pearl.

While these are important and meaningful accomplishments, the gathering also recognized the path towards Truth and Reconciliation does not end here.

We are incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished and the relationships we have built together through the St. John’s Reconciliation Circle and the Regional Reconciliation Circle. However, there is still much to be done. We are grateful and excited to work towards decolonizing policies and procedures with all municipalities and continuing to implement all aspects of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at the municipal level.

Chad Bedard, Manager of Knowledge Mobilization at First Light

“Reconciliation is an ongoing priority for the City of St. John’s, and partnerships like the Metro Reconciliation Partnership are essential to moving this work forward,” said Councillor Jill Bruce. “Through the St. John’s Reconciliation Circle and our collaboration with First Light and regional partners, we are building stronger relationships, deepening understanding, and taking meaningful steps toward action. While there is more to do, we are encouraged by the progress to date and remain committed to advancing reconciliation together across the region.”

“Our Council and staff are proud to stand alongside First Light in advancing meaningful reconciliation at the municipal level,” said Mount Pearl Mayor, Dave Aker. “Through initiatives like the Metro Reconciliation Partnership, we are strengthening relationships, learning from one another, and taking concrete steps to honour Indigenous voices, culture, and history. While we are encouraged by the progress we’ve made together, we recognize this work is ongoing, and we remain committed to walking this path forward in partnership and respect.”

Media Contact