YMCAs in Canada Statement of Reconciliation
The YMCAs in Canada have a commitment to building healthy communities through the power of belonging. Communities that are safe and vibrant, with a strong economy and a sustainable environment. Communities within a Canada that demonstrates:
For our country to become the Canada we want, the YMCA recognizes that we must place a special and intentional focus on Canada's relationship with Indigenous Peoples.
The YMCA movement in Canada declares its commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. We acknowledge and respect that our programs, services, and community facilities are on the traditional territory of Indigenous Peoples.
YMCAs in Canada are aware of the impact that colonial actions, including residential schools, have had on Indigenous Peoples, and we remain committed to understanding past injustices and will continue to move forward for a better future.
YMCAs in Canada are committed to playing our role in addressing the Calls to Action that have been made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, such as:
19. …. close the gaps in health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities;
92iii. Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal Peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
We are committed to developing and sharing program models, tools, and resources that will improve Indigenous Peoples’ access to our programs and services.
We will work with Indigenous communities as partners to find opportunities to have an active presence where it is desired.
YMCAs in Canada are committed to moving beyond a Statement of Reconciliation to the development and implementation of an Action Plan which will be reviewed regularly.
The YMCA Federation in Canada’s Statement of Reconciliation was unanimously approved by all YMCAs in Canada and strengthens our dedication to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada. It is reflective of the YMCA Federation’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging for all and its values of inclusiveness, accountability, and collaboration.
We acknowledge that the work of the work of the YMCA of Eastern Ontario takes place on the lands and waters of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Algonquin and Huron-Wendat people. We are grateful to be able to live, learn and play on these lands.
To acknowledge this traditional territory is to acknowledge its significance for the Indigenous People who live and gather here, and whose practices and spiritualities are tied to the lands and waters.
We also acknowledge the longer history of this territory - a history that predates the establishment of the earliest European colonies. And one that - since colonialism - has been imbued with systemic displacement and harms to First Nation, Metis and Inuit Peoples. These atrocities caused continual intergenerational trauma that cannot be ignored.
We acknowledge that this territory continues to be an important gathering place for many First Nation, Metis and Inuit peoples, and we thank them for their stewardship of the land.
The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is committed to providing an accessible recreational, learning, and working environment for our community, and to meeting our obligation under Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. It is our goal to create a community that is inclusive of all persons and supports all members of the community in an equitable manner. In creating such a community, the Y aims to foster a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of all persons.
Review our AODA Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Individuals are invited to provide their feedback in writing to brk.membership@eo.ymca.ca or kng.membership@eo.ymca.ca, or by telephone, or by regular post mail to:
YMCA of Eastern Ontario
100 Wright Crescent, Kingston, Ontario K7L 4T9
Attention: YMCA of Eastern Ontario
Contact: 613-546-2647
Ages 0-6 years
Ages 7-9 years
Ages 10-12 years
Ages 13+ years
Aquatics staff reserve the right to swim test anyone regardless of age, ability, or previous swim test results.
Anyone unable or unwilling to comply with the YMCA of Eastern Ontario admission and swim test policies will not be allowed to access the pool.
Promoting the safety, well-being, and potential of children and youth is the foundation of our work at the YMCA of Eastern Ontario. We believe child and youth protection is the responsibility of everyone at the YMCA and take a number of steps to keep them safe including monitoring/recording facility access, ensuring supervision and understanding our duty to report.
If you wish to learn more you can email our Safeguarding Children lead, Jill MacDonald at jill.macdonald@eo.ymca.ca
*** We ask that any medication required by participants be on deck and available for group leaders and lifeguards in case of an emergency.
*** Change Room and Pool Restricted Access Adults and youth without children are asked not to use the family change room or attend family swims. Parents/Guardians with opposite gender young children are encouraged to use the family change room Children under 16 are not permitted in program areas during designated adult programs.
The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices in keeping with privacy laws. Our YMCA uses modern information and communication technologies to support our program and membership-based activities.
You can access our website homepage and browse our site without disclosing your personal data. We will collect information about you only if you volunteer it.