History and Heritage

I would like to respectfully acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, specifically the Chippewa, Ojibwa and Potawatomi peoples, under the terms of the Robinson-Huron Treaty #61 of 1850, and the Williams Treaties of 1923.

I am grateful to be here. I hope you are too.

Together, we honour all Indigenous peoples – First Nations, Métis and Inuit – for their cultures, their languages, their wise teachings and ways of being, their stewardship and protection of the lands and waters - and life - that have shaped this country since time began.

Together, we commit to acknowledge, to learn, to educate, to create opportunity and to honour sacred places, and to take actions toward real Truth and Reconciliation in support of our commitment to wellness for all, and to walking the path together in respect, peace and harmony for future generations.

G’chi miigwech. Thank you very much.

We also heard feedback that a shorter alternate statement may be useful in some situations, for some audiences. We want our acknowledgement to be meaningful to all: the person delivering it and the people hearing it.

Alternate statement

I would like to respectfully acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg under the terms of the Robinson-Huron Treaty #61 of 1850, and the Williams Treaties of 1923.

I am grateful to be here. I hope you are too.

We commit to acknowledge, learn, educate, create opportunity, honour sacred places, and take actions toward real Truth and Reconciliation in support of our commitment to walking the path together in respect, peace and harmony for future generations.

G’chi miigwech. Thank you very much.

• We start with “I” as we don’t speak for others
• We recognize the name of the people in their own language “Anishinaabemowen” and the words used earlier in history “Ojibway, Chippewa and Potowatomi” for clarity of who we are acknowledging
• We state the legal names of the treaties that are instruments of law. We use their titles, dates and number if they have one. Again, this is for clarity, education and awareness
• The person saying the statement as “I” states my gratitude, as we are taught, and invite others to join in being grateful “I hope you are too”
• We move to We: “Together we honour …”
• We move to Action: “We commit to…”
• We say why: “Walking the future path together”
• We say miigwech. We say thank you
• Always we say thank you as we are grateful

When reading

• The statement should be heartfelt
• It may be read rather than memorized, but the person reading should mean it
• Suggested no head wear be worn, with the exception of regalia, military or service uniform, or cultural/religious wear
• If possible avoid sunglasses; reading glasses are fine