Positive Meeting between Mayor Diodati and Chief Wesley of Kashechewan Nation

“I wanted to come into our meeting with an open heart and open mind.” Mayor Jim Diodati used these words in his meeting on Tuesday with Chief Hosea Wesley of Kashechewan Nation.

In light of recent feedback from First Nations Chiefs and their community members staying in Niagara Falls, Mayor Diodati asked Chief Wesley of Kashechewan First Nation to meet in order to have open, personal dialogue earlier this week. In the meeting, both Mayor Diodati and Chief Wesley were able to share thoughts about how recent comments on the City of Niagara Falls Report on Unhoused and Vulnerable People were received. Concerns emerged after a presentation by Ken Todd at the July 23rd City Council Meeting asking for support from higher levels of government and other communities with the hosting of thousands of displaced individuals each year. 

“Communities can do better, but we need support,” said Mayor Diodati. “To be displaced from your home, living in a hotel room for weeks and sometimes months on end, individuals and families need places to go, to gather, and to create community.” The report called for a more structured framework and an enhanced formula for communities to better support when hosting displaced people. Mayor Diodati issued the following statement:

“Our intentions to gain support for families and for the community were good, but comments can be misinterpreted. That’s why the importance of open dialogue and communication cannot be understated. I am sorry that my comments caused hurt within the Kashechewan First Nation and broader Indigenous community. I apologize and I take responsibility for that, as I stand by the positive intentions of the report. No disrespect was intended.”

After having valuable discussion around the intention of the communities, both Chief Wesley and Mayor Diodati acknowledge that they remain on the same side, seeking stronger support to help displaced individuals. “We both listened and we both learned. It was a very good exchange. We will keep the lines of communication open as creating even stronger cultural relationships and friendships is more of a journey than a destination,” said Mayor Didoati. Chief Wesley shared these words:

“Our people have been here for 6 months with positive relations in Niagara Falls. I had to speak up for our community and share our voice. We are looking forward to ongoing dialogue with our host community while we are here.”

Mayor Diodati will meet with Chief Wesley and his group at the completion of their peaceful walk to City Hall today to join them in solidarity. The mayor also spoke with Chief Abram Benedict, Ontario Regional Chief representing 133 First Nations across Ontario who offered his support as they discussed working together and being a part of the same team.

For more information, contact:
Carey Campbell 
Manager, Office of the Mayor and CAO
City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
c 905-380-4594
905-356-7521 ext. 4206
ccampbell@niagarafalls.ca