“Voices of the Land: Preserving Indigenous Stories of Mississauga” is a project by Heritage Mississauga with funding by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to capture the stories of Indigenous peoples of Mississauga, develop content to share and ensure that their stories are preserved.

Who We’re Interviewing
Voices of the Land will feature stories from two primary groups:

1. Members of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), whose deep ancestral and treaty connection to this land continues to shape Mississauga’s identity today.
2. Indigenous residents currently living in Mississauga, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals who may have relocated from other parts of Canada or the United States and now call Mississauga home.

Together, these stories reflect the rich and evolving Indigenous presence in Mississauga—honouring the past, amplifying the present, and preserving voices for future generations.

Project Description
Mississauga has a rich Indigenous history as part of the Treaty and Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Huron-Wendat and Wyandotte Nations. Today, the city is home to diverse Indigenous communities whose stories are vital to understanding its growth, culture, and development.

Voices of the Land will preserve these stories through professionally recorded oral history interviews, articles, and videos. Heritage Mississauga—building on 25 years of cultural heritage programming and long-standing relationships with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation—is collaborating with the City of Mississauga’s Indigenous Relations team to engage Indigenous residents in this initiative.

The collected stories will be shared widely through digital platforms and educational resources, ensuring Mississauga’s Indigenous history is preserved and accessible for generations to come.

Why This Project Matters
Mississauga is a young, multicultural city. Preserving and sharing the stories of its Indigenous residents is essential to fostering understanding, building relationships, and nurturing civic pride.

This project will:

• Highlight the contributions of local Indigenous communities
• Connect residents to the land’s history
• Strengthen shared identity and cultural belonging
• Create lasting, educational resources for schools, researchers, and the public
• It also supports participants in feeling seen, heard, and valued as part of the city’s evolving cultural fabric.

Why Oral Histories Matter
1. Preserving Voices Before They’re Lost
Oral histories capture memories, traditions, and insights that aren’t always recorded in written histories.

2. Centering Marginalized Perspectives
Storytellers speak in their own words, challenging dominant narratives and offering balance to historical records.

3. Building Community and Healing
Story-sharing can be deeply meaningful, offering connection, recognition, and often healing.

4. Strengthening Collective Memory and Identity
Personal stories contribute to a shared community identity across generations.

5. Bringing History Alive
Oral histories connect listeners directly to emotion, nuance, and lived experience.

6. Supporting Social Justice and Advocacy
These narratives help raise awareness and foster understanding of broader social issues.

7. Safeguarding Language, Culture, and Traditional Knowledge
Oral storytelling preserves cultural values, teachings, and ecological knowledge—especially in communities where language and tradition are at risk.

Heritage Mississauga’s Legacy & Impact
Heritage Mississauga has recorded hundreds of oral histories, building a living archive of Indigenous voices and lived experiences. These recordings help future generations access ancestral wisdom, cultural teachings, and untold stories that shape our collective identity.

Our Approach to Oral Histories
We approach oral history not just as documentation, but as a community-led, respectful storytelling practice that:

• Prioritizes storyteller agency and voice
• Encourages deep listening
• Recognizes story-sharing as a form of empowerment
• Builds empathy and understanding across generations
• Building Connections with Mississauga’s Indigenous Community

Many Indigenous residents living in Mississauga today are far from their home communities, and may feel disconnected from culture, language, or support systems.

Voices of the Land helps bridge these gaps by:

• Creating safe, welcoming spaces for storytelling
• Fostering new relationships and community connections
• Ensuring each participant is approached with care, trust, and cultural sensitivity
• With support from the City of Mississauga’s Indigenous Relations Office, we’re working to ensure all Indigenous voices are heard and honoured.

Project Outcomes

• 25 oral histories recorded and transcribed
• Published articles and two professional videos (in partnership with Sanborg Productions)
• Content used in Heritage Mississauga’s website, YouTube channel, and podcast series
• Expanded outreach for Way Back Wednesday and Ask A Historian programs
• New educational resources for students, teachers, and the public
• Stronger relationships and cultural pride within the local Indigenous community
• A final report delivered to the City of Mississauga’s Indigenous Relations team and the Indigenous Network

Call for Volunteers
To support the success of this project, we’re looking for 10 dedicated volunteers to assist in the following areas:

• Outreach & Engagement: Connect with Indigenous community members
• Interview Support: Help with scheduling, tech setup, and documentation
• Content Development: Assist with articles, videos, and reports
• Administration: Help with data management and project coordination

Who We’re Looking For
We welcome volunteers who are:

• Passionate about Indigenous history and storytelling
• Skilled in communication, organization, or media production
• Comfortable working in a team and connecting with diverse communities

How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact:
Meghan Mackintosh
📧 [email protected]
📞 (416) 837-9728

Training and support will be provided to ensure you feel confident and prepared throughout your time with us.

By joining Voices of the Land, you’ll play a meaningful role in preserving the stories of Mississauga’s Indigenous communities—creating resources that will inspire, educate, and empower for years to come.