We acknowledge that we are meeting on indigenous land that has been inhabited by indigenous peoples from the beginning.
As settlers and indigenous inhabitants, we are grateful for the opportunity to meet here and we thank all generations of people who have taken care of this land – for thousands of years.
Long before today, there have been indigenous peoples who have been the stewards of this place. In particular, we acknowledge that the land on which we gather is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Chippewas and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations.
We recognize and deeply appreciate their historic connection to this place. We also recognize the contributions of First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and other indigenous peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community in particular, and as Turtle Island as a whole. This continues to be the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful for the opportunity to work in this community, on their territory.
As settlers, the recognition of the contributions and historic importance of Indigenous peoples must also be clearly and overtly connected to our collective commitment to make the promise and the challenge of Truth and Reconciliation real in our communities, and in particular to bring justice for murdered and missing indigenous women, girls, children, two-spirit, transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer+ individuals across Turtle island.