Land Acknowledgement
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.
What is a Land Acknowledgement?
Land acknowledgments have been cultural protocol for as long as we remember. We acknowledge this protocol at Algonquin College and commit to continuing creating space for a personalized response to Truth and Reconciliation.
Why a Land Acknowledgement?
A Land Acknowledgment is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.
Meaningful Land Acknowledgement
Inspire others to support Indigenous peoples and communities. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and recommendations provides a succinct and clear factual history and human narrative of the cultural genocide and other genocides that was and still are experienced by Indigenous communities. It is a way to recognize the history of colonialism in the very place a group is gathering.
Delivering a Land Acknowledgement must be respectful. Go beyond simply reading a script. Share from the heart. Share what it means to you when recognizing the land we are standing on. Advance your journey towards reconciliation:
- Do some research about the territory.
- Talk to Indigenous people from surrounding communities – The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation
- Have you read about Anishinàbe Algonquin People? About the land, the territory?
- Use of correct pronunciation for the names of nation, communities and individuals.
- What existing relationships the College have with Indigenous communities.
When doing a Land Acknowledgement or welcoming share with the guests or audience something to reflect on during the event or celebration.
When do we use a Land Acknowledgement?
A Land acknowledgement is done at the beginning of ceremonies, lectures, or any public event as a way to insert an awareness of Indigenous presence and land rights in everyday life.
Who should deliver the Land Acknowledgement?
Everyone. Indigenous or non-Indigenous. As a settler or visitor to Turtle Island (North America) it is everyone’s responsibility to acknowledge traditional territories where we live, work and play and to say thank you to the First Peoples for welcoming us all. Please be respectful and do not expect an Indigenous person to do this acknowledgement at each and every event or celebration.
Ways you can deliver a Land Acknowledgement
The versions below are suggestions and you may use them as is or make changes to reflect what it means to you when recognizing the land you are standing on.
Version 1: Algonquin College acknowledgement to be inserted into publications
Algonquin College campuses (Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth) are located on the traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands long before today. We take this time to show our gratitude and respect to them, and to the land for all that it provides us: trees to give shade, water and food to sustain us, and paths to connect us. As a post-secondary institution, we embrace the responsibility to help ensure that the next generations of land stewards are respectful and grateful for the bounty of this land on which we all live, work, play, and study.
We commit to continue to explore and make meaningful contributions to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.
Version 2: MC or host to open a ceremony or event
(Algonquin College, we or I) begin (name this event or session) by acknowledging that we are gathered on the traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. It has always been protocol to acknowledge that we are guests and offer our thanks to the hosts.
As guests, we are honoured to gather here today, and we thank all the generations of Anishinàbe Algonquin people who have and continue to take care of this beautiful land.
Algonquin College recognizes and appreciates their historic connection to this place. We also value the contributions that Inuit, Métis and other Indigenous Peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community, province and country.
Version 3: Short verbal acknowledgement
As guests, (Algonquin College or department) acknowledges that today’s (celebration or event) is taking place on the traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People.
Version 4: Email signatures
I acknowledge the Anishinàbe Algonquin People whose traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory that I work and live on.
Version 5: Written acknowledgement for instructors or students
(We or I) acknowledge the Anishinàbe Algonquin People whose traditional unceded, unsurrendered territory is where this (publication/resource/paper/etc.) was produced.