Algonquin College updates its land acknowledgement

Posted on Thursday, September 5th, 2024

Why was the Land Acknowledgement updated?green text with Indigenous art elements

Anishinábe Aki means the land of the Anishinàbe Algonquin people. Algonquin College has recently worked with members of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and Pikwakanagan communities to expand its relationship. This includes regular meetings, knowledge sharing and flying the flag of the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation on its three campuses. This also includes collaborating to co-develop and update the Algonquin College land acknowledgement statement.

What was the process to consider the various language components?

The goal of updating the land acknowledgement was to acknowledge the past and promote awareness, education and healing to move forward together with respect and mutual learning. Attention is also given to place a focus on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

Is a land acknowledgement something that periodically needs updating, and why?

Land acknowledgements are living actionable statements. Land acknowledgements require a commitment to a meaningful and respectful relationship between the host Nation and institution honouring the land. A periodic update may occur as the work of the institution may evolve.

What’s New

This updated version of the Land Acknowledgement will be included in the course outlines for the 2024-2025 academic season distributed to over 20,000 students.

New version

Algonquin College campuses in Ottawa, Perth and Pembroke are located on the traditional unceded, and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands since time immemorial. We take this time to express our gratitude and respect to them and to the land for all that it has provided and will continue to provide.

As a post-secondary institution, we acknowledge the harms done to Indigenous Peoples and are committed to learning from the past. We pledge to promote healing and resilience as we move forward in partnership with the Algonquin Nations, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in a spirit of reconciliation.

While we recognize that territorial acknowledgements are only one step in cultivating greater respect for and inclusion of Indigenous Peoples, we commit to accompanying these words with actions. We are dedicated to building a future and community that is better for all.

We pledge to continue exploring and making meaningful contributions to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.

For more information visit the Land Acknowledgement page on our website.


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