Land Acknowledgement & Action
Sessions take place on the unceded traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation - people who at the hands of the settler state of Canada, experienced genocide, forced assimilation, land disposession, and resource exploitation.
As a visitor to these lands, I acknowledge those on the land before me, and on the land alongside me. As a white settler I am learning that territorial acknowledgements are a small step towards reconciliation, but when accompanied with action towards decolonization, demonstrate greater sincerity. As such, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis clients will have priority in registering for these sessions.
Personal Land Acknowledgment
There is no starting point on a circle,
But there are directions.
Giiwedin, Waabanong, Zhaawanong, Ningaabii’anong
The Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation have used these directions,
To acknowledge where they are,
Where they are going,
And to bring honour and awareness
to the interconnected way of life.
This circle was disrupted,
Through various strategies and mechanisms –
Including but not limited to
Genocide,
Forced assimilation,
Land dispossession,
And resource exploitation.
This circle was disrupted,
By the settler state of Canada,
Which dominates Indigenous Nations,
To.
This.
Day.
This circle was disrupted,
By my people.
The Irish & The Scottish,
Are not original people,
To these lands.
My ancestors colonized the lands of the Hul’qumi’num Nation.
I was born on the lands of the K’ómoks Nation,
And raised on the lands of the Lekwungen/Songhees Nations.
I am a visitor.
I commit to reframing my responsibilities to land and community.
The Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation are stewards on this land,
Keepers and defenders of the Kìchì Sìbì watershed and its tributaries,
the “NCC” land on which I work.
In accordance with the NCC’s “Plan for Canada’s Capital 2017-2067”,
I am compelled to advocate for Indigenous Peoples through
the recognition of Indigenous Peoples in the toponymy of the region,
And developing and applying ecological principles and land uses,
that conserve natural assets in the region,
in keeping with Indigenous traditions.
In accordance with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada:
94 Calls to Action
I am committed to developing and offering,
culturally aware therapeutic supports,
For Indigenous children and families.
This includes a personal commitment to
Continued Indigenous Education training,
And building client capacity for intercultural
Understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.
As a Forest and Nature School Practitioner,
This looks like regular, and repeated acknowledgment of,
And appreciation for -
The land,
Mother Earth.
The water,
Quiet creeks, rushing rivers, life.
The sky,
Grandmother Moon, Grandfather Sun, Thunder beings.
The plants,
Sprawling forests, rustling grasses, medicines, roots that grip the soil.
The animals,
Bineshiinyag, waagoshag, makwag, giigoonyag, ginebigoog, omakakiig, wazhashkwag
And the original inhabitants of the spaces on which we play.
We are an NIHB approved mental health service provider. For Indigenous clients who are not covered by NIHB and experience socio-economic barriers, we will make every effort towards access to these sessions.