Lincoln, ON – (October 7, 2026) – The Town of Lincoln is the proud recipient of a Cultural IDEA Award from the Creative City Network of Canada (CCNC), recognizing the Town’s innovative Indigenous Engagement and Cultural Practices Policy Framework.
The award was presented this week at the Creative City Summit, an annual gathering that celebrates innovation and leadership in municipal cultural programming across Canada.
The Cultural IDEA Awards recognize municipalities, organizations and individuals demonstrating leadership in inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA), as well as Truth and Reconciliation. Lincoln’s award recognizes its work to establish a clear, respectful and consistent municipal approach to Indigenous engagement and cultural practices.
The framework was brought forward to Council in November 2025 and includes procedures to support Smudging and Sacred Fire Procedures. The work was developed with input from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Niagara Regional Native Centre, with coordination across the Town’s Culture, Fire Services and Public Works departments.
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“This recognition is a reflection of the relationships, collaboration and care that went into developing this framework,” said Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “We are grateful to our Indigenous partners for sharing their knowledge and perspectives, and to our staff across the organization who worked together to create a framework that helps us better support Indigenous Peoples and cultural practices in our community. It is wonderful to see this important work recognized nationally.”
“This is an excellent example of how municipal policy can translate respect and reconciliation into meaningful, practical action,” said the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer Michael Kirkopoulos. “The framework gives our staff the guidance they need to support Indigenous cultural practices safely and respectfully, while also removing barriers and creating greater consistency across the organization. We are proud of the collaborative work that made this possible.”
Sacred Fires
A key component of the framework is the Town’s approach to Sacred Fires. Recognizing that Sacred Fires are ceremonial and are not recreational fires, the Town established a no-cost notification and coordination process rather than requiring a standard open-air fire permit. The process outlines safety considerations, site requirements and coordination with staff and Fire Services.
The framework is supported by dedicated infrastructure at Sho’aríshon Park, including a Sacred Fire space featuring a fire pit designed and fabricated by an Indigenous artist. Ceremony signage also helps support privacy and respectful distance when cultural practices are taking place.
The policy and procedures affirm the right of Indigenous Peoples to engage in cultural practices on Town property, and provide staff with consistent guidance for supporting those practices.
CCNC’s Cultural IDEA Awards assess submissions across four areas: IDEA into Action; Inclusive Process and Community Involvement; Measurable Community Impact and Long-Term Change; and Innovation and Transferability.
The Creative City Network of Canada is a national network connecting municipalities across Canada to support and strengthen local cultural development. Learn more at www.creativecity.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
905-563-2799 ext. 230
